Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard has surprisingly revealed he will be supporting Morocco when they face off against his country of birth France in the second semi-final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday night.
Before taking charge of the Saudis three years ago, the Frenchman was at the Morocco helm between February 2016 and July 2019.
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While the 54-year-old could not replicate the Africa Cup of Nations-winning success he had with Zambia and Ivory Coast, he did manage to end the Atlas Lions' 20-year absence from the World Cup when he guided them to a spot at the showpiece in Russia in 2018.
In Qatar this year, Renard inspired his current team to an iconic 2-1 victory over South American powerhouses Argentina in the two nations' opening group match, which many regard as one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's history.
Saudi Arabia could not maintain their winning momentum in Qatar, however, going on to lose their following two Group C matches against Poland and Mexico and bow out of the tournament at the first round.
The three-time CAF Coach of the Year has now revealed that, although he is French, he will be supporting his former employers Morocco in their semi-final on Wednesday night.
"I am French, I was born in France, I have a French passport, but tomorrow (Wednesday), I am sorry, I will support the Moroccan team," he told RMC Sport on Tuesday.
"This country marked me, people brought me love to a point that you cannot even imagine.
"This is often what happens in these countries: either they hate you or they love you.
"And I received so many things that I share their joy a little today while remaining a little in the background because I simply had the chance to work with them and I wish them the best in the world for tomorrow."
Reflecting on his spell with the north Africans, Renard added: "I had a fantastic adventure with a group of players and a country that loves football… they are so proud, they deserve it.
"They have so much passion that can be excessive, but today it is an exceptional award."
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France, who will be playing in their seventh World Cup semi-final on Wednesday night, have never lost to Morocco in all five of their previous meetings, winning three times and drawing twice.
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