Africa's World Cup: France beat Belgium 14-8
Friday July 06 2018
A combination of photos showing players named in France's 23-man pre-World Cup squad by French coach Didier Deschamps (bottom R). (Left to right) Goalkeepers Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda and Alphonse Areola. Defenders Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti, Djibril Sidibé, Benjamin Pavard, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez, Adil Rami and Benjamin Mendy. Midfielders N'Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Blaise Matuidi, Corentin Tolisso and Steven Nzonzi. Forwards Nabil Fekir, Thomas Lemar, Antoine Griezmann, Florian Thauvin, Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe. PHOTOS | AFP
After all of the continent's sides were knocked out of the World Cup, a debate has been on about which side Africans should now back.
On a visit to Nigeria, French President Emmanuel Macron urged people to back France, who are facing Uruguay in a quarter-final that kicks off at 1300 hrs (1400 GMT) on Friday.
France has been described as Africa's sixth team at the competition as so many players have African heritage.
14 players in the squad would be eligible to play for African nations under Fifa rules.
But what of one of the other teams playing? Belgium, who face Brazil at 2100hrs (1800 GMT) on Friday, could also vie for African affections.
- Vincent Kompany - father from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Marouane Fellaini - parents from Morocco.
- Romelu Lukaku - parents from the Democratic Republic of Congo and father played for the national team.
- Mousa Dembélé - father from Mali.
- Dedryck Boyata - father from the Democratic Republic of Congo who played for the national team.
- Michy Batshuayi - parents from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Nacer Chadli - Moroccan heritage and once played a friendly for Morocco.
- Youri Tielemans - mother from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
So that's eight in all.
Final score: France beat Belgium 14-8.