French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned he was ”immensely proud” that France reached the World Cup ultimate after he travelled to Qatar to observe the crew’s win over Morocco within the semifinals.
Macron sat beside FIFA president Gianni Infantino throughout the match at Al Bayt Stadium and stood as much as applaud after the 2-0 victory. France will play Argentina within the ultimate on Sunday.
“I feel very proud of my country. I’m very happy,” Macron informed reporters after the match. “I want the French to enjoy this simple happiness.” The French chief paid tribute to the “great” Moroccan crew, 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 dominated by France from 1912-56. Wednesday’s match had political and emotional resonance for each nations, dredging up all the things that’s complicated in regards to the relationship wherein France nonetheless wields appreciable financial, political and cultural affect.
Macron mentioned he’ll come again to Qatar on Sunday to attend the ultimate at Lusail Stadium. He joked about being “too superstitious” to offer his prediction. However earlier than the match in opposition to Morocco, he was fast to say “France will win.” Throughout his journey to the Gulf nation, he additionally visited a bazaar in Doha, the Qatari capital. Macron walked by means of a crowd at Souq Waqif sporting a shawl with the colours of the Qatari flag earlier than getting right into a automotive amid heavy safety for the 50-kilometer (30-mile) journey from Doha to Al Khor for the match.
Macron skipped a summit of European Union and southeast Asian leaders in Brussels to attend the match.
