Deschamps goes down in World Cup history
After Vittorio Pozzo with Italy in 1934, 1938, Carlos Bilardo with Argentina 1986, 1990 and Franz Beckenbauer with Germany 1986, 1990, Deschamps became the fourth coach to lead a team to two consecutive World Cup finals, with France 2018, 2022. .
If France is crowned in Qatar, Deschamps will be the second coach in history to lead a team to win the World Cup twice, after Pozzo. The 54-year-old coach will also be the third person in history to win three World Cup titles as a player or coach, after Pele and Mario Zagallo.
Defender Theo Hernandez scored his first goal for France against Morocco in the 2022 World Cup semi-final, in the fifth minute. In the 79th minute, Deschamps brought in striker Randal Kolo Muani to replace Ousmane Dembele and immediately this player scored a 2-0 victory for France. They will meet Argentina in the final at Lusail Stadium on the evening of December 18.
"This victory is not easy," Deschamps said after the match. "But we always get lucky. The French players also enjoy the results with teamwork. We are emotional and proud as we prepare to play the match for the world title."
French President Emmanuel Macron was also present at Al Bayt Stadium to cheer on France on the evening of December 14. After the match, he praised Deschamps: "Sincere thanks to coach Deschamps and the players, for bringing joy to France. The current squad is a perfect combination of youth and experience. France will bring again. The cup is back and it's clear that Deschamps has to stay. I'm very proud of the French team."
Deschamps was, while playing, a defensive midfielder, known for his ability to recover the ball and launch attacks. Footballer Eric Cantona nicknamed Deschamps "the water-carrier". He captained France to win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. At the club level, Deschamps also won the 1993 Champions League with Marseille and that was the only C1 title in the history of French football. He also won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996, and with Valencia in second place in 2001.
Deschamps retired in 2001, and moved to coach Monaco. He helped this club reach the 2004 Champions League final, only to lose to Jose Mourinho's Porto. Deschamps accepted the job of leading Juventus in the 2006-2007 season in Serie B, and immediately helped this team get promoted before he left. He also helped Marseille win Ligue 1 in 2010, then helped France win the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 UEFA Nations League.
