Deschamps credits France’s mentality, experience after reaching 3rd straight World Cup semifinal

BOSTON, United States, July 10– Coach Didier Deschamps said France’s latest World Cup milestone reflected more than individual brilliance, praising his team’s experience, unity and ability to handle pressure after Les Bleus reached a third consecutive semifinal with a 2-0 victory over Morocco on Thursday.

France overcame a stubborn Moroccan side at Boston Stadium through goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, extending its remarkable run of reaching the last four at every World Cup since 2018. For Deschamps, the achievement underlined how his squad has developed the maturity needed to survive the toughest moments of tournament football.

“It is a confirmation and we are proud to be here for the third time in a row,” Deschamps said after the match. “Given the first half, with the three goals we missed including the penalty, we were not at our best in that respect. But the opponents had to run, they were tired and that opened spaces. We blocked the opponents and prevented them from moving and we were able to play further up.”

France created a series of chances before the break and forced Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into several important saves. Deschamps said the team never lost belief despite failing to convert its early opportunities.