New York [US], July 9: France are relaxed about an Argentinian referee being appointed for their World Cup quarter-final against Morocco, Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano said on Wednesday.
"I don't focus on who the referee is. We have never done that. We are focusing on Morocco and want to win the match," Upamecano told French newspaper L'Equipe ahead of Thursday's clash.
World football governing body FIFA has appointed Facundo Tello for the first quarter-final at this World Cup, a decision that was met with surprise in French media.
There is a strong rivalry between France and Argentina. The South Americans won the World Cup final against Les Bleus on penalties in 2022. Four years earlier, France knocked out Argentina on their way to the title in a memorable last-16 clash which ended 4-3.
"We must not become paranoid," added France reserve goalkeeper Robin Risser. "If these referees are involved, it's because they are up to the level of the competition." France can only meet Argentina in the final or the third-place play-off if they both get through.
By contrast, French referee François Letexier took charge of the controversial World Cup last-16 match between Argentina and Egypt, which the holders won 3-2 after a stunning late comeback from 2-0 on Tuesday.
The Egyptians were angered by several refereeing decisions.
Source: Qatar Tribune
