“It’s like Africa going to the final” is a disposition many Twitter users across the continent harbour after last night’s semi-final.
France beat Belgium 1-0 in a drab affair in St. Petersburg, but the win is seemingly not just a highlight for France itself. More than half of the French squad can reportedly play for a team based in Africa if they so wished, based on parental nationality.
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In fact, the man who scored the winner last night, Samuel Umtiti, was born in Cameroon.
As a result, many users across Twitter are now supporting France as an African team.
FRANCE IS GOING TO THE WORLD CUP FINAL AND 15 OF THEIR 23 PLAYERS HAVE ROOTS IN AFRICA SO IN A WAY ITS LIKE AFRICA GOING TO THE FINAL I KNOW ITS NOT REALLY BUT LOOK THE DIASPORA IS COMPLICATED AND COLONIALISM MESSED EVERYTHING UP SO JUST LET US HAVE THIS MOMENT
— Clint Smith (@ClintSmithIII) July 10, 2018
The country of King Leopold was defeated. Mbappe alone represents both Cameroon and Algeria. Absolutely this is an African victory.
— Lucy Miller (@lucyhmiller) July 10, 2018
We OuT Here!!!!! Lets Go Africa!!
#WorldCup #France pic.twitter.com/n8g1hTJGXG
— MenoLee (@ManuleLee) July 10, 2018
But the conversation has escalated beyond football, with users also discussing colonialism.
“We’re watching colonizers benefit while maintaining explicit anti-immigration rhetoric and sentiment,” writes one user.
We’re watching colonizers benefit while maintaining explicit anti-immigration rhetoric and sentiment. The whiteness that controls FIFA would hate to see DCR or the likes win the Cup
— I’m Just Dan D (@Just_DanD) July 10, 2018
Would it be wrong to root for Croatia after France colonial history? Plus I’m Haitian.
— Jason Aubin (@JSorare) July 10, 2018
Funny how all this European soccer powers are great because of their immigrant players… someone should tell the us soccer association this
— Germ
(@5xladymn) July 10, 2018
France wasn’t the only team placed under the microscope though.
my friend is Jamaican and he pointed out the 5-6 England starters that have Jamaican roots.
— Kelleigh Johnson (@KelleighJohnson) July 10, 2018
Hopefully the final will be battle of the colonizers France v england.
— Yemi Ade (@yra2008) July 10, 2018
Speaking of England, the Three Lions will face off against Croatia in the second semi-final Wednesday evening. The winner will meet France in the final. The loser will play Belgium in the third-place playoff.
