It will be France’s fourth World Cup final in seven editions and they are trying to become the first team since Brazil 60 years ago to retain the title when they take on Argentina at Lusail Stadium on Sunday.
France crushed Morocco’s World Cup dream with a 2-0 win against Morocco in their semi-final encounter, setting up a meeting with Lionel Messi’s Argentina on Sunday. Despite a hostile audience, it appeared that France would make quick work of their opponents when Hernandez scored just five minutes at Al Bayt Stadium. Morocco, the first African and Arab team to reach the World Cup quarterfinals, pushed on despite losing important players to injury, only for Les Bleus to secure victory with a late second from replacement Kolo Muani.
“Tim’s a strong and tactically astute leader and has a good feel for the game. I believe he is the right person to build on the foundations that Kane’s created.”
BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead said Williamson had been a fine Test captain.
“Kane’s guided the Test team through an immensely successful period which is testament to his ability to bring people together and work towards a common goal,” he said.
“He’s certainly led from the front with his own performances and that was very much the case during our push to win the World Test Championship.
“The Test team has continued to evolve and develop during his time and the fact we’ve been able to introduce new players and see them thrive almost instantly is a credit to Kane and his leadership.
