Didier Deschamps, a serial winner, has a chance to make more history

HISTORY IN THE MAKING: France's head coach Didier Deschamps, right, talks to Youssouf Fofana during the World Cup semi-final at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. Pic: AP Photo/Martin Meissner

Seconds before the final whistle blew, Walid Regragui went over to Didier Deschamps for a congratulatory hug, perhaps in acknowledgement that he had finally met his match, out-thought by a master tactician. He and Morocco went close, but there was no cigar.

Neither was there any disgrace in losing to the World Champions, especially since Deschamps has made his side more formidable than the one that won in Russia four years ago.