Amrabat Reveals Giroud’s Relentless Marking Strategy in World Cup Semi-Final

Sofyan Amrabat revealed what Olivier Giroud told him during the match. "Giroud really followed me everywhere in midfield. I even told him: ’Stop!’ But he told me he had been instructed to do that all game. He said: ’I was given this mission.’ It was difficult," the Moroccan midfielder told the Dutch media NOS after the match.

The match ended in a defeat for the Lions of the Atlas against the Blues (2-0). A very "bitter" defeat for Sofyan who regrets not having reached the final. He also regrets the goal conceded in the 5th minute which he describes as a "stupid goal". "From the start of the match, they let us have the ball, which is rather a compliment. With a one-goal lead, it’s more comfortable to play. This 1-0 played in favor of the French. Then they put so much speed in front... If you’re leading 1-0, it’s easier to play football," he said.

The former Feyenoord player is nevertheless proud of the path traveled. "But we have to be proud to have faced the reigning world champions. We really gave it our all. When we look back, we’ll realize what we’ve done. Even if it’s particularly painful when you find yourself so close (to the title)," he added.