"Mbappe is the new Pele"

Morocco coach Walid Regragui made no secret of his preference for the World Cup final in Qatar between France and Argentina: "I'd like Mbappe to win it".

"He's the new Pele, he's chasing his numbers and I'd like him to win it. I hope he doesn't have too much pressure," he said after losing 2-0 to France in the semi-finals.

Regragui, born on the outskirts of Paris, said that if France wins the World Cup he will be able to "say that Morocco lost against the champions".

"It's going to be an even final. Argentina have gained confidence, they have a Messi who is at his best. France defend well, they accept not having the ball and they have very quick players. I think it's 50-50," he said.

"You only have to look at what they have done over the last 20 years to realise that they are the best in the world. I'm proud of that too, I was born in France and I'm a product of their academy. They are criticised a lot, but their players are the best in the world and so is the national team," he said.