French President Emmanuel Macron said he was ”immensely proud” that France reached the World Cup final after he travelled to Qatar to watch the team’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 last on Sunday.
“I feel very proud of my country. I’m very happy,” Macron advised reporters after the match. “I want the French to enjoy this simple happiness.” The French chief paid tribute to the “great” Moroccan staff, 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 every thing that’s advanced in regards to the relationship wherein France nonetheless wields appreciable financial, political and cultural affect.
Macron stated 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. But earlier than the match towards Morocco, he was fast to say “France will win.” During his journey to the Gulf nation, he additionally visited a bazaar in Doha, the Qatari capital. Macron walked via a crowd at Souq Waqif sporting a shawl with the colours of the Qatari flag earlier than getting right into a automobile 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.
