French President Emmanuel Macron backs the Matildas in the World Cup after losing a bet with Anthony Albanese – while Les Bleues coach vows the team will retaliate against Aussies

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his support for the Matildas in the Women’s World Cup after the Aussies beat France 7-6 on penalties in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Macron kept his word after his side pulled out of the tournament and publicly expressed his support for the Aussies in their semi-final against European champions England.

“Nothing personal against our English friends, but a bet is a bet,” Macron posted on Twitter after Matildas’ win.

‘Good luck Australia for the semi-finals!’

On Saturday, Mr Alabanese struck a deal with his French counterpart in which the leaders agreed to support whoever emerged victorious.

The Prime Minister tagged Mr Macron at his post when he asked the French President:

How about a bet @EmmanuelMacron? If @TheMatildas win tonight you will support Australia in the semi-finals.

“If the @equipedefranceF wins, I will support France. Agreement? #GoMatildas.’

Macron replied shortly afterwards: “The World Cup has been brilliantly co-hosted by you, Australia. It’s an honor to meet the Matildas in the quarterfinals today, but don’t worry: Les Bleues will take the lead! Agreement.’

French coach Herve Renard will have ‘revenge’ in mind at next year’s Olympics in Paris after his side’s heartbreaking loss to Australia.

For the second World Cup in a row, Les Bleues’ fell a game short of reaching the last four after a quarter-final loss to eventual champions USA in 2019 as France hosted the tournament.

Next year’s Olympics will see the French again under pressure, but Renard will embrace that expectation as he contemplates another encounter against the Matildas.

“Now we have to look ahead,” said Renard after his side lost 7-6 on penalties on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium.

The Matildas’ stunning win in the quarter-finals has seen them through to meet England in the semis – and the French leader will be barracks for green and gold

French coach Herve Renard will have ‘revenge’ in mind at next year’s Paris Olympics after his side’s heartbreaking loss

“We’re hosting next year’s Olympics in Paris, so we’re waiting for you.

“We will take revenge.”

Renard said it was ‘a shame’ France’s World Cup run had come to an end, but said ‘fate’ chose Australia in a ’50-50′ match.

“This match was fantastic for us. Beautiful cities, beautiful stadiums, the atmosphere was fantastic… (but) all the best for (the Matildas). I’m sure you can win this World Cup.

‘(Australia) is a physical team, usually waiting for the opponent. They like the transition, the counterattack because they are very fast.’

The Matildas face England in Sydney on Wednesday evening for a place in next Sunday’s final.

In the other semi-final, which will be played in Auckland on Tuesday evening, Spain will meet Sweden.

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson predicted his side would again face an England side who the Australians beat 2–0 in London in April.

“We have shown time and time again in this tournament that we thrive under pressure,” said Gustavsson.

“I have an unhealthy addiction to do-or-die games and moments like this. I love it. It makes you feel alive.

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has backed his side to beat England as they did France

“I told my staff this is what life is all about, creating memories with the ones you love the most.

“It’s great to be able to do that with this team. I can’t wait to experience more moments like this with this group of amazing people.

“If you want to achieve something great, then to see all the hard work of not just these players, but all the brave women who walked this path way before my time… come together, I’m immensely proud.

“I know how much it means to so many.”