Defending world champions and title favourites France face African history-makers Morocco on Wednesday in what is bound to be a high-octane World Cup semifinal on the Al Bayt stadium.
Olivier Giroud joined Thierry Henry as France’s all-time main goalscorer on the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Picture: @FIFAWorldCup/Twitter.
DOHA – Defending world champions and title favourites France face African history-makers Morocco on Wednesday in what is bound to be a high-octane World Cup semifinal on the Al Bayt stadium.
France, who defeated England on Saturday, need to turn out to be the primary crew in 60 years to retain the trophy however they will count on fierce resistance from the shock bundle of the event.
Morocco’s giant-killing run to the final 4, the primary time an African nation has made it this far, has electrified followers at residence and delighted the Moroccan diaspora in Europe and past.
The Atlas Lions will once more be roared on by 1000’s of passionate supporters in the stadium on the desert outskirts of Doha and may depend on native Qatari assist too as the primary Arab crew ever to make it to the final 4.
“It’s not over yet, our ambition is to go to the final,” former Morocco worldwide Aziz Bouderbala, a part of the 1986 World Cup crew that reached the final 16, informed AFP.
“We are living a historic moment. We are among the four best teams in the world but it’s fabulous, it’s delirium.”
The sport may have added spice given France was Morocco’s colonial energy and a whole bunch of 1000’s of individuals with Moroccan roots dwell and work in the nation.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui, who was born close to Paris and spent most of his taking part in profession in the French league, believes his crew have turn out to be the impartial’s favorite.
“We’ve become the team people feel positive towards at this World Cup,” mentioned Regragui.
“We’re showing the world what’s possible with less talent, less quality, less money, and what you can achieve with desire, hard work and belief.”
France may have fewer followers in the stadium however will likely be supported in particular person by President Emmanuel Macron.
On paper Didier Deschamps’ crew, filled with expertise and expertise, ought to progress with some consolation.
But if the France coach, a World Cup winner as a participant in 1998, is frightened about complacency undoing his crew, he want solely remind his gamers how Morocco obtained to this stage.
In the spherical of 16, taking part in aggressive, hard-running soccer, Regragui’s crew knocked out 2010 winners Spain on penalties earlier than eliminating extremely rated Portugal, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo in tears.
Morocco had earlier served discover of their intent by topping Group F, beating Belgium and Canada and drawing with 2018 runners-up Croatia.
The have solely conceded one objective in all the competitors however it can require one other night time of heroic defending if they’re to maintain out a potent France assault.
MBAPPE THREAT
Kylian Mbappe, the event’s prime scorer with 5 targets, assaults from the left whereas Olivier Giroud, degree with Lionel Messi on 4 targets, occupies the standard centre-forward function.
Antoine Griezmann has been excellent in a deeper, artistic function.
France defeated Poland and England in their two knockout video games and pre-tournament considerations about their harm losses – Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema – have dissipated.
But the French may even should be alert themselves to Morocco’s swift counter-attacks, with Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech on the proper flank and Sevilla ahead Youssef En-Nesyri seeking to exploit weaknesses in Deschamps’ again line.
Morocco’s willingness to run with the ball after which harry to retrieve ought to make for a high-energy sport.
“Obviously we know they are having an exceptional World Cup and have beaten some big nations, so it is a match we will be taking seriously,” mentioned France right-back Jules Kounde.
“They are no longer a surprise package, they deserve to be here. We hope to make things difficult for them and qualify.”