Deschamps' Assistant Believes France Will Show Even More After Paraguay Test

France's assistant coach, Guy Stéphan, believes the national team will emerge stronger after their physical test against Paraguay and is now preparing for a very different challenge in the World Cup quarter-finals against Morocco. The match is scheduled for Thursday at 11:00 PM. Stéphan confirmed that the French Football Federation has appealed the yellow card issued to key forward Michael Olise – one of three shown to French players during the clash with the Paraguayans.

“I think playing a match like that at this stage of the tournament was beneficial for us because it provides answers about what the players are capable of in the face of such difficulties,” commented Guy Stéphan, as quoted by Reuters, adding: “It was a day where it would have been easy to lose control, and no one did. So, that’s proof of maturity, even though we have young players. It was a tough match – physically and mentally exhausting.

But we pushed through.” Regarding their next opponent, Morocco, Stéphan stated: “It will be a completely different type of opponent. They are a well-organized, well-structured team. They also have strong individual talents. Undoubtedly a quality team.” Guy Stéphan revealed that forward Marcus Thuram, who missed France’s last two matches due to a calf issue, has resumed training, but midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni is still recovering from an injury.