French Coach Herve Renard Reveals Support for Morocco Ahead of Clash

• French-born manager Herve Renard has backed Morocco to defeat the world champions
• Renard led Morocco to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia before moving to Saudi Arabia
• Morocco became the first African team to reach the semi-final of the World Cup

Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard has declared his support for Morocco ahead of their semi-final clash against France in the World Cup.

The French-born coach was in charge of the Atlas Lions at the World Cup in Qatar four years ago in Russia.

However, he left to coach Saudi Arabia, whom he led to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Renard stunned the world after his Saudi Arabia side defeated Argentina in the opening game of Group C .

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Despite the victory, the Asian country failed to make it beyond the group stage following defeats to Poland and Mexico.

"I trained the Moroccan national team and I had a wonderful group of players and in a wonderful country. It deserves to reach this important stage in the World Cup," he told French Radio Monte Carlo as quoted by GHANASoccernet.com.

"They deserve it, and the ball has rewarded them and even rewarded all Africans, so this version will remain exceptional for them," he added.

Renard continued: "Sorry, I was born in France and I have a French passport, but tomorrow I will support the Moroccan national team, because this people gave me love and appreciation."

"In such countries, they either love you or hate you. They gave me many beautiful moral things, so I share this joy with them. I was fortunate to work in Morocco. I wish them success."

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Morocco became the first African team to reach the last four of the World Cup after beating Portugal in the quarter-final, courtesy a Youssef En-Nesyri header.

Renard backs Argentina to win World Cup

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Saudi Arabia manager Hervé Renard has tipped Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar despite their opening-day loss.

Hervé Renard masterminded Argentina's first defeat in 36 matches with a stunning 2-1 victory at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday, November 22.

Renard's mammoth feat against one of the front runners of this year's Mundial ensured Saudi Arabia became the first non-European nation to beat La Albiceleste in the history of the tournament, as noted by Sky Sports.