Good news for European Super League opponents.

OK now that's out of the way, let's get back to the World Cup...

Statement from Uefa re European Super League:

“Uefa welcomes today’s unequivocal opinion of Advocate General Rantos, which is an encouraging step towards preserving the existing dynamic and democratic governance structure of the European football pyramid.

"The opinion reinforces the central role of federations in protecting the sport, upholding fundamental principles of sporting merit and open access across our members, as well as uniting football with shared responsibility and solidarity.

“Football in Europe remains united and steadfastly opposed to the ESL, or any such breakaway proposals, which would threaten the entire European sports ecosystem.”

The European Clubs Association said it was "a clear rejection of the efforts of a few to undermine the foundations and historical heritage of European football for the many."

It added: “As the body representing nearly 250 of Europe’s top football clubs, ECA is explicit in its strong opposition towards those self-interested few seeking to disrupt European club football and undermine the values that underpin it."

Simon Stone
BBC Sport

Uefa and Fifa have received significant backing in their battle to block the creation of a European Super League (ESL).

Advocate General Athanosios Rantos has released his observations over the court case brought by ESL and its backers A22 earlier this year, which claimed that the European and world governing bodies were breaking competition law by threatening to sanction clubs and players who joined a breakaway league.

A final ruling will be made by a 15-member Grand Chamber next spring.

However, whilst non-binding, the Attorney General’s observations are regarded as influential. And, in that regard, he came down firmly on the side of Uefa and Fifa by saying their hard-line stance is not anti-competitive.

“The Fifa-Uefa rules under which any new competition is subject to prior approval are compatible with EU competition law,” he said in a statement read out at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.

“Whilst ESLC is free to set up its own independent football competition outside the Uefa and Fifa ecosystem, it cannot however, in parallel with the creation of such a competition, continue to participate in the football competitions organised by Fifa and Uefa without the prior authorisation of those federations.”

Let's just take a quick break away from World Cup reaction.

There's some news on the European Super League...

Danny Murphy
Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

One of the highlights has been a real carnival, warm feeling at the stadiums, which I have never really experienced before [at a World Cup].

There have been a lot of games in previous tournaments where there has been tension and you can feel a bit of angst and sense something might go awry in terms of crowd behaviour.

In this particular tournament, for me, the atmosphere has been absolutely outstanding. It has been a breath of fresh air.

Should we ban booze from future tournaments? Yes, if we could, but can you imagine trying to do that if we hosted it?

John Murray
Commentator on BBC Radio 5 Live

Image source, Getty Images

What Morocco have brought to this World Cup is almost unquantifiable. You have to be here on the ground and see the effect on their supporters.

I think the other country that have done that are Argentina.

It has been such an odd and strange experience this World Cup.

Many of the big European countries that usually have huge support - that has simply not been the case for one reason or another.

That has not been the case with Argentina and Morocco. The support they have had has been incredible.

It is almost because of that they deserve a reward for what they have done, in the way that Moroccan fans got the history in getting to the semi-final, and for Argentina to get to the final with the support they have had.

I know it doesn't work like that and that is emotional and sentimental, but there you go.

Image source, Getty Images

The Real Alan: Morocco played fabulous, entertaining football last night. Great to watch.

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at Al Bayt Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

Morocco fans had taken over Souq Waqif in Doha before the game yesterday.

The Al Bayt Stadium could have been mistaken for a home match in Casablanca, the small pocket of French fans behind the goal vastly outnumbered by their counterparts in red shirts waving their red flags.

The sheer volume of noise created by the north African side's following was cranked up before kick-off, when those familiar piercing whistles echoed around the stadium as the France teamsheet was read out.

They were silenced just five minutes into the contest when left-back Hernandez converted, leaving supporters watching in disbelief at a shocking start - the first time Morocco had been behind at this World Cup.

The fans roused themselves and continued to sing "Dima Maghreb (forever Morocco)" as they had done throughout the tournament, but Kolo Muani delivered a final blow.

"I've loved this," said former England defender Micah Richards on BBC One. "This is one of my favourite games of the World Cup.

"The crowd is brilliant and the atmosphere has been absolutely electric."

Read the full story here

Image source, Getty Images

What are your thoughts on how the World Cup has panned out? Is Argentina v France the right final? Let us know...

Image source, BBC Sport

Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat was rated BBC Sport readers' best player last night as France edged past the Atlas Lions.

He's been a central part to Morocco's success over the past few weeks.

There's already been lots of interest from clubs over the 26-year-old with Tottenham and Liverpool eyeing up a move for the Fiorentina midfielder.

However, 90min, external have reported that while Amrabat is "proud" to be linked with a number of high-profile clubs following his performances at the 2022 World Cup, he has respect for his current club.

Maher Mezahi
African football journalist on BBC Radio 5 Live

Morocco in this calendar year have been finalists in the Women's African Cup of Nations, they are going to be playing in their first ever Women's World Cup next year.

A Moroccan team won the Women's Champions League in Africa, a Moroccan team won the men's Champions League in Africa and also the men's Confederations Cup - the equivalent of the Europa League in Africa.

Now they have had a run to the semi-final of the World Cup.

So they have dominated African football and I think what they are looking for is to really place themselves at the avant garde of the continent - not just for performances on the pitch but I really think they are eyeing up the next African bid to host the World Cup.

They have been hosting the African Champions League finals and they are trying to host the African Cup of Nations finals in 2025. I really think they want to be the next African nation to host the World Cup. That will be a little bit difficult with 48 teams, but I think it would be possible.

Danny Murphy
Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

Image source, Getty Images

Morocco were well in the game. They got to the final third really well and played with a great organisation and discipline but I thought last night that they also went forward well.

They got themselves into really good positions. They weren't scared, they played with no fear and had a real go.

I think if you are going to lose a game that is the way to lose it. They just didn't get that little bounce of the ball in their favour in the box.

Every little thing did not go for them and the French just found a way of getting over the line.

Maher Mezahi
African football journalist on BBC Radio 5 Live

The overwhelming sense of emotion is pride, but also a lot of sadness. The coach spoke about there being no real moral victories in football and I think that is true to a certain point.

But at the same time there is also a recognition that this Moroccan team really gave it everything. They left nothing out there on the pitch.

They were hurt by injuries across the back line but at the same time France were just on another level - in terms of that killer instinct in the final third of the pitch. France were just more opportunistic.

Anna Holligan
BBC News Hague correspondent

Image source, BBC Sport

"We are proud," defeated but delighted, Khalid urges the crowd to stay calm, as he waves red smoke.

A box of fireworks is ignited, sending blasts in all directions.

Horns blare and cyclists try to navigate through the smoky paths.

There are fewer people here, one Moroccan tells me: "It’s too cold (it’s minus 2 degrees) so many of us just stay home to watch."

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Oumeima and Sarah

The Champs-Elysees was a patchwork of French and Moroccan flags – fans from both sides, jubilant at their teams’ success.

Oumeima, 19, and 21-year-old Sarah were parading down the road carrying a Moroccan flag as wide as their smiles.

“We were magnificent!” they said.

“It’s extraordinary that we were in the semi-final. We’re proud of what Morocco accomplished. It’s historic, even if we lost. Anyway, it’s win-win, because we’re also French!”

The women and their friends say they’ll support France in the final on Sunday, but even if France retain the trophy, they say, “we won’t party the way we party for Morocco”.

Chris Sutton
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

You feel for Morocco, they are the story of this World Cup for me. They just came up a little bit short, depleted with injuries. Players cobbled together to try and perform this evening.

They can be proud of their World Cup displays, beating Belgium, Spain, Portugal, huge scalps, shocking the world really.

France are a strange team, they didn't play with great flair but they got the job done. Once again, the World Cup final. Could be back to back champions.

Image source, Inas in Madrid

Dozens of Moroccan fans watched the game in a large tent erected in the grounds of Madrid's Casa Arabe cultural centre. Traditional Moroccan snacks were handed around as fans cheered their team on.

"Despite everything, I am proud of our team," said Inas, an English teacher from Rif, who wore a Moroccan national team shirt.

"They represented more than football, they gave us a symbolic victory in so many ways, the international attention and respect they gave us."

Munir, A petrol station attendant originally from Casablanca, was chanting with a group of friends throughout the game and although he was upset when France's second goal went in, he was still upbeat.

"This is a once in a lifetime event," he said, of the Moroccan team reaching the semi-finals.

"Not even our children will witness this again. It has meant everything to us."

Image source, Munir in Madrid