Raphael Varane is one of two Manchester United players remaining in this winter’s World Cup and the legendary French defender has the chance to make history with his nation this week.
France are preparing for their semi-final clash with Morocco and are aiming to make it back-to-back World Cup wins, having cruised to the storied prize four years ago in Russia.
England proved to be a difficult opponent for France but the reigning world champions now have their eyes on the prize but will need to overcome Morocco, who have shocked the world by eliminating Belgium, Portugal and Spain.
Varane has been a key player for France for the last decade and speaking ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final, the 29-year-old has commented on France’s tournament so far and has urged his team-mates not to underestimate Morocco, insisting their record speaks for itself.
“We have already had a great competition,” Varane told the media in a press conference, according to the official Manchester United website.
“England was a big test and we had to fight to win. We now have enough experience in the team not to fall into any trap. If Morocco are there, it is not by chance. It is up to us, the experienced players, to prepare the others for battle. Don’t take the easy way out.
“A place in the final is earned. We focus on the objectives but we are aware of achieving something big. Having a great team isn’t everything as we have seen great teams fall in this tournament. We stay focused on what is in front of us. We think of the next game. Not after.
“They write the history of Moroccan football. Their successive performances give them a lot of confidence. It’s a united and close-knit team.
“There are high-quality players. They are not there by chance. We expect a lot of adversity.”
SN’s verdict…
France are guaranteed to be involved in two more games until Varane is able to return to Manchester for the second half of the season and Erik ten Hag will be praying his star man in defence comes out of it all unscathed.
Varane may have to face the other United player remaining, however. Lisandro Martinez’s Argentina are in the other semi-final and a mouthwatering final between France and Argentina is the most likely outcome.
