France-Morocco, Deschamps and Lloris in conference

From our correspondent Sebastiano Vernazza

December 13th
– Doha (Qatar)

Didier Deschamps, France coach, on the eve of the semi-final against Morocco acknowledged the defensive skills of Walid Regragui’s national team: “It is a fact that Morocco defend very well. Up until now, the opponents have not found the solution to get around their block, tomorrow we’ll try, but Morocco shouldn’t be reduced to the defensive phase. Because they defend as a team, with overall organization, and because they have quality players in attack. I studied them. Congratulations to Walid Regragui and his staff. They have achieved something exceptional and it is right that they believe in the possibility of a world final”.

PRAISE TO GRIEZMANN

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On the crowd: “Tomorrow the stadium will be split in two. The Moroccan fans give off an incredible warmth, but I don’t see them as hostile. Their fans make a lot of noise, but preparing for a match also involves thinking about the environmental conditions, the My players know what awaits them.” Deschamps praised Griezmann: “He has the ability to change the face of the team. He produces a large volume of play, adds his technical touch to a role that suits him very well (attack playmaker, ed). Do a tackle or a pass gives him the same pleasure. His left foot lights up the game. He thinks about the team, he’s generous above average. He has the mentality of great players.” On ball possession: “We always want to have the ball to create problems for the opponent. And that’s what we’ll do tomorrow against Morocco.” To close Upamecano’s defense: “He suffered from a mental block, which prevented him from expressing himself. Today he feels more relaxed and confident. He is a quick defender, with good tackling skills. He is more open and smiling, but still a little introvert. He’s been through a tough time with no, but I don’t regret pressing him.”

THE CAPTAIN SPEAKS

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Hugo Lloris, the France goalkeeper, returned to the match against England and the penalties taken by Harry Kane, his Tottenham team-mate. Kane converted the first and missed the second: “It’s not easy to find the right words in cases like these. Harry and I wrote to each other after the match. It’s a difficult time for him and for the English, but I think England will can she be proud of her World Cup. In the history of football, many great players have missed from the penalty spot”. A thought on Bounou, Morocco’s goalkeeper: “The fact that they have conceded just one goal is also thanks to him. Bounou is the symbol of Moroccan solidity, he is decisive. We admire Morocco’s defence, but they are also strong in quick transitions and on set pieces. They have an efficient midfield. We will have to attack strongly and score a goal as soon as possible.” On the environment: “We’ll find a complicated climate at the stadium, due to the many Moroccan fans. We’ll have to get used to the noise quickly.” Deschamps’ praise: “Our coach has enormous experience and gives us peace of mind and confidence. To stay on the France bench for many years, you need to have great qualities.”