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. “I feel very proud of my country. I’m very happy,” Macron told reporters after the match. “I want the French to enjoy this simple happiness.” The French leader paid tribute to the “great” Moroccan team, Africa’s first-ever semifinalist. “The Moroccans have played very well,” he added. “I want to tell the Moroccan people they have a great team ...
I want to tell them of our friendship.” Morocco was ruled by France from 1912-56. Wednesday’s match had political and emotional resonance for both nations, dredging up everything that’s complex about the relationship in which France still wields considerable economic, political and cultural influence.