India, June 27 -- France secured the top spot in their group after a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway. However, unlike their previous two matches, head coach Didier Deschamps was not present on the sidelines to guide Les Bleus during the game.

The French coach departed the United States a few days earlier after a heartbreaking family tragedy, which forced him to miss the final group-stage match.

Reports suggested that Deschamps returned to his homeland following the unfortunate passing of his mother, traveling back to attend her funeral.

For the same reason, the French national team reportedly requested FIFA's permission for players to wear black armbands during Friday's match in tribute to the head coach's late mother.

However, the...