Didier Deschamps unconcerned by Argentinian officials in France-Morocco World Cup clash - ESPN

France head coach Didier Deschamps has played down the appointment of Argentinian officials for their World Cup quarterfinal against Morocco on Thursday.

The rivalry between the two nations has been fierce since Argentina beat France in the 2022 final, and a repeat remains a possibility this time around.

But Deschamps said he had no issue with Facundo Tello being awarded the game, along with two Argentinian assistants, reserve assistant and fourth official.

«We have to deal with it. I trust the referees. Our opponent is Morocco, not the referee,» Deschamps said.

Back-up goalkeeper Robin Risser also backed the officials.

«There's been a certain bitterness [between France and Argentina] for a few years now since the last final, but that's part of the game,» Risser said.

«If these referees are there, it's because they're up to the level of the competition.»

Refereeing performances have come under scrutiny at this summer's tournament, with French official Francois Letexier's display in the round-of-16 game between Argentina and Egypt criticised by the north African team.

Deschamps could not resist a jibe back at those critics, adding: «Let's hope our [officials] are as good as Monsieur Letexier was.»

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Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi also played down the impact of the officials.

«Regarding the referees for tomorrow's game, we're talking about a very experienced referee,» he said at his pre-match news conference on Wednesday. «That's what we want. We want experienced referees for these type of matches. So we're very calm.

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