The French had plenty of composure about them here

[Maybo]

The French had plenty of composure about them here, despite Morocco exerting spells of pressure.
(France win over Morocco sets up Messi-Mbappe duel many craved by Phil McNulty)


Does "them" refer to Morocco?

 

[5jj]

No. Try again!

 

[Maybo]

spells of pressure?

 

[Rover_KE]

No.

 

[Maybo]

The French?

 

[probus]

You'e got it now @Maybo. "Them" could be replace by "themseves" and the meaning would not change.

 

[Maybo]

You'e got it now @Maybo. "Them" could be replace by "themseves" and the meaning would not change.

What's the difference in meaning between:
1. The French had plenty of composure about them here
2. The French had plenty of composure here

I'm not familiar with the use of "composure".

 

[probus]

I see no difference in meaning.

 

[probus]

Composure in this context is a synonym for calmness. They were able to play their best because they were not excessively excited. Being too excited in sports can lead to jitters, to use a slang word. Jitters result in mistakes such as goals against or missed scoring oppirtunities.

 

[Barque]

What's the difference in meaning between:
1. The French had plenty of composure about them here
2. The French had plenty of composure here

"About them" is an idiomatic phrase. It might seem redundant but it has a certain nuance.

 

[Maybo]

"About them" is an idiomatic phrase. It might seem redundant but it has a certain nuance.

What’s the nuance?

 

[Barque]

I'd say it gives the impression that they were "surrounded" by an air of composure. You could almost "see" it.