Hollande must also certainly be hoping a winning French team will give his dismal popularity ratings a desperately needed fillip. WARSAW, A victory for France over Portugal in Sunday's European soccer Championship final would give the country a welcome morale boost, French President Francois Hollande said on Saturday. France is hoping the "feel good factor" of a successful Euro 2016 will fire up a tentative economic recovery, although the direct impact will be short lived. "I do believe, however, that it (a final win) would have a positive influence on the morale of the French population by making them not only happy but also proud of their team and what it stands for," he said. "A victory ... always gives a country the feeling that it can succeed, not only in sport but also in economy and culture, on the international stage, in politics and diplomacy," he added.

Source: Standard Digital July 09, 2016 16:08 UTC