FIFA World Cup, December 4: France vs Poland in round of 16, everything you need to know about referee Jesus Valenzuela Saez

Despite a surprising defeat to Tunisia, France finished first in Group D, Didier Deschamps' team began its campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory over Australia, followed by a 2-1 win over Denmark. France advanced to the pre-quarterfinals with these two victories.

Meanwhile, Poland finished second in Group C. Czeslaw Michniewicz's side and started the season with a tie against Mexico before defeating Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, Poland was defeated 2-0 by Argentina in their last group game.

Before Sunday's match, the two teams played 16 times, with France winning eight times and Poland winning three. The remaining games were all drawn. Jesus Valenzuela Saez will officiate today's match with the Venezuelan referee appointed by FIFA.

Who is Valenzuela Saez?

The 39-year-old Venezuelan official is a referee. He has officiated in Copa Libertadores, Copa America, Liga FUTVE, Copa Sudamericana, - Venezuela's top level - and FIFA World Cup matches. In 2013, Saez was appointed to the FIFA referee panel.
He oversaw the 2021 Copa America semifinal between Argentina and Colombia, in which Lionel Messi scored the winning penalty in a shootout.

Saez also officiated football matches at the Olympics in Tokyo.

FAQs:

1. Is the United States out of the World Cup?
   The United States men's soccer team was eliminated from the World Cup on Saturday following a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands. It was a sad ending for a resurrected United States squad trying to move past the round of 16 for the first time since 2002.
2. When is the final of the FIFA World Cup?
   The final of the World Cup will be held on 18 December.