Boston [US], July 10 : France head coach Didier Deschamps highlighted the unique pressure surrounding Les Bleus' World Cup campaign, saying expectations have been higher than ever before.
He recalled how France entered the 2018 tournament as outsiders and the 2022 edition as defending champions, but this time they were among the pre-tournament favourites.
Deschamps praised his players for staying composed under pressure and insisted they are focused solely on the semi-final on July 14, rather than looking too far ahead.
Deschamps made the remarks during a press conference after France's 2-0 victory over Morocco to secure their place in the semi-finals, where they will face either Spain or Belgium.
A win would take Les Bleus to their third consecutive World Cup final, following their 2018 triumph and their heartbreaking defeat in the 2022 final.
"What changed compared to 2018 and 2022? In 2018, nobody expected us to succeed. In 2022, we were the defending champions and very often the defending champions are out in the last 16. This time, everybody has been expecting us (to win) before the first ball of the tournament," Deschamps said as per Reuters.
Since Deschamps took charge in 2012, France have reached the last four of a European Championship or a World Cup five out of seven times - missing out at the 2014 World Cup and the 2020 Euros, played in 2021.
"But my players are used to this and they will not get carried away. Right now we're not looking beyond July 14 (the day of the semi-final) and it's a good date (Bastille Day)," he added.
Deschamps praised France's tactical approach, saying his team successfully controlled Morocco by pressing them relentlessly, limiting their options and forcing them to expend energy before eventually breaking them down.
"We have done everything right to pin them. We suffocated them and made them run. Then they were just tired," Deschamps concluded.
The result ends Morocco's impressive run after another historic World Cup campaign, while France move one step closer to their title.
The victory sets up France's semi-final clash against either Spain or Belgium.