By NAN Sports Editor
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 13, 2018: One Caribbean national and two Caribbean roots players are set to be part of the 2018 World Cup finals this Sunday as part of Team France. The three will play against Croatia in the finale in Russia which will be shown in the US at 10 a.m. Sunday morning. The three are:
1: Thomas Lemar
Thomas Lemar was born in Baie-Mahault, Guadeloupe and is part of the French national team who will face-off against Uruguay in the first quarter-final match at 10 a.m. EST today. The 22-year-old is known for his versatility, able to play on both wings and through the centre.
He also plays for Atletico Madrid and France national team and began his senior career at Caen in 2013. He played 32 times for the club before moving to Monaco for £3.4 million in 2015.
2: Raphael Varane
Raphael Varane of France in action during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between France and Argentina at Kazan Arena on June 30, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Lukasz Laskowski/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images)
Raphaël Xavier Varane’s roots runs to Martinique through his dad. The 25-year-old defender is also part of the French team who will take on Uruguay this morning, July 6, 2018. Varane made his professional debut for Lens aged just 17, before being snapped up by the Liga giants a single season later.
Although he needed time to adapt, Varane soon proved he had the talent to succeed in the Spanish capital. On the international stage, he earned promotion from France’s U-21s to the senior squad in August 2012, when he became one of the first players called up by Didier Deschamps. Since then, he has become the fulcrum of the defence and one of the vice-captains to skipper Hugo Lloris.
3: Presnel Kimpembe
Presnel Kimpembe is also part of the French team who will take on Uruguay this morning, July 6, 2018. His roots run to Haiti through his mother.
A three-time Ligue 1 champion before his 23rd birthday, Kimpembe has achieved a difficult feat – winning regular playing time in central defence for Paris Saint-Germain, despite stiff competition. He has done so thanks to a versatile array of gifts. A truly modern centre-back, he combines an understanding of the game with superior technical skills and a desire to build from the back. His elegance, passing ability and tackling acumen have naturally led him into the France set-up, where he looks set to thrive for many years to come. One of France’s brightest prospects, he will be eager to reach a new level on Russian soil.
