France's Macron says Qatar must move towards "tangible changes"

26.11.2022 - 22:25 channelnewsasia.com

PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday (Nov 26) urged Qatar to continue in the direction of "tangible changes" that he said are signposted by Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup."This football World Cup, the first organised in an Arab country, is a sign of tangible changes underway.

Qatar is headed in this direction. It must continue, and it can count on our support," Macron said on Twitter during the France-Denmark game.France became the first team to book a spot in the World Cup knockout stage on Saturday when it defeated Denmark 2-1 in a tense encounter.Earlier this month, Macron had said sports should not be politicised, brushing off suggestions that he should boycott the World Cup in Qatar.As the first Middle Eastern country to host the World Cup, the small nation has come under intense pressure for its treatment of foreign workers and restrictive social laws.The government of Qatar has said its labour system was a work in progress, but has denied many of the accusations levelled against it.

Football Sporting Emmanuel Macron Qatar France Denmark

BRUSSELS: President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday (Dec 15) stood by his decision to travel to Qatar to support France's World Cup team, despite allegations linking the Gulf monarchy to corruption in the European Parliament.

Formidable France in familiar territory in World Cup final

The inspirational leadership of Didier Deschamps and a deep pool of talent have turned France into the most formidable force in international football as they prepare to face Argentina in Sunday's World Cup final.

Formidable France in familiar territory in World Cup final

DOHA: The inspirational leadership of Didier Deschamps and a deep pool of talent have turned France into the most formidable force in international football as they prepare to face Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final. France arrived in Qatar aiming to defy the fate of many recent holders, even as a flood of injuries threatened to derail their title defense. The reigning champions had been knocked out in the group stage in four of the past five tournaments, including France themselves in 2002. But Deschamps’ side have, in his own words, “reversed the trend” and after beating Morocco 2-0 in the last four on Wednesday, they have the chance to make history in the final at Lusail Stadium. No team have retained the trophy since Brazil in 1962, while no reigning champions had even made the final since the Brazilians in 1998. That team lost in Paris to a France side captained by Deschamps, who has been there for almost all of his country’s finest moments at major tournaments over a generation. After leading them to glory four years ago, he can become the first coach to win two World Cups since Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo in the 1930s. “Deschamps has been to three finals now, and he wins them,” French President Emmanuel Macron said after making a flying visit to Qatar for the semifinal. “Things always come in threes. Didier Deschamps brings luck as well as talent, so we are going to win it and bring the trophy home.”

Dream of World Cup final over but Moroccans hail heroes

They may have fallen just short of reaching the World Cup final, but Moroccans on Wednesday hailed their team's historic run as it ended with a 2-0 defeat to reigning champions France.

France now look to retain World Cup title against Messi's Argentina

Morocco coach Walid Regragui says the only regret he has about the team’s loss to France in the semi-finals is conceding so early in the match.

Macron ‘immensely proud’ that France in World Cup final

AL KHOR, Qatar: French President Emmanuel Macron said he was ”immensely proud” that France reached the World Cup final after he traveled to Qatar to watch the team’s win over Morocco in the semifinals on Wednesday. Macron sat beside FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the match at Al Bayt Stadium and stood up to applaud after the 2-0 victory. France will play Argentina in the final on Sunday.