French President Emmanuel Macron supported the Matildas in the Women’s World Cup after the Australians beat France 7-6 on penalties in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
Macron was true to his word after his team withdrew from the tournament and publicly declared his support for the Australians in their semi-final match against European champions England.
“Nothing personal against our English friends, but a bet is a bet,” Macron posted on Twitter after Matilda’s victory.
‘Good luck Australia for the semi-finals!’
On Saturday, the Alabanese struck an agreement with his French counterpart in which the leaders agreed to support whoever emerged victorious.
French President Emmanuel Macron now supports the Matildas in the World Cup because he lost a bet with Anthony Albanese (pictured together)
The prime minister tagged Mr. Macron in his post when he asked the French president:
‘How about a bet @EmmanuelMacron? If @TheMatildas wins tonight, you’ll support Australia in the semi-finals.
‘If the @equipedefranceF wins, I will support France. Deal? #GoMatildas.’
Macron responded shortly afterwards: ‘The World Cup is brilliantly co-hosted by you, Australia. It’s an honor to face the Matildas in the quarter-finals today, but don’t worry: Les Bleues will take the lead! Deal.’
France coach Herve Renard will have “revenge” in mind at next year’s Paris Olympics after his team’s heartbreaking loss to Australia.
For the second consecutive World Cup, Les Bleues have come within a game of reaching the quarterfinals after a quarterfinal loss to eventual champions USA in 2019, when France hosted the tournament.
The pressure from the host will be back on the French at next year’s Olympics, but Renard is ready to embrace that expectation as he contemplates another potential encounter against the Matildas.
“Now we have to look forward,” Renard said after his team’s 7-6 loss on penalties at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
The stunning victory of the Matildas in the quarter-finals has allowed them to face England in the semi-finals, with the French leader fighting for green and gold.
France coach Herve Renard will have “revenge” in mind at next year’s Paris Olympics after his team’s heartbreaking defeat.
‘We are organizing next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, so we are looking forward to it.
We will get revenge.
Renard said it was a ‘shame’ that France’s World Cup run had come to an end, but said ‘fate’ chose Australia in a ’50-50′ game.
‘This competition was fantastic for us. Beautiful cities, beautiful stadiums, the atmosphere was fantastic… (but) all the best to (the Matildas). I am sure that you can win this World Cup.
‘(Australia) are a physical team, waiting most of the time for their opponent. They like the transition, the counter attack because they are very fast.’
The Matildas will take on England on Wednesday night in Sydney for a place in next Sunday’s final.
In the other semifinal, which will be played on Tuesday night in Auckland, Spain will face Sweden.
Matildas manager Tony Gustavsson predicted his team would rise to the occasion again against an England team the Australians beat 2-0 in London in April.
“We have shown that we thrive under pressure time and time again in this tournament,” Gustavsson said.
“I have an unhealthy addiction to life and death games and these types of moments. I love it. It makes you feel alive.
Matildas manager Tony Gustavsson has backed his team to beat England as they did France.
“I told my staff that this is what life is all about, making memories with the ones you love the most.
‘To be able to do that with this team has been incredible. I can’t wait to have more moments like this with this amazing group of people.
“When you want to achieve something great, to see how all the hard work from not just these players, but all the brave women who walked this path long before my time…how it comes together, I’m extremely proud.”
‘I know how much it means to so many.’
