MY ACCOUNT
– France have never lost to Morocco in seven meetings
– The Atlas Lions have the best defensive record in the tournament
– Recommended bet: Back France to win in extra time
Morocco have been the story of the World Cup to date after becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals, but their run in Qatar may come to an end in Wednesday’s clash against France in Al Rayyan.
Walid Regragui’s side have punched way above their weight so far, having topped Group F before defeating Spain in the last 16 on penalties and then edging past Portugal 1-0 in the quarter-finals.
It is a tremendous feat for the Atlas Lions and one that will be remembered for years to come. However, they are now preparing to take on reigning champions France and their injury-hit backline may struggle to keep out Didier Deschamps’ history seekers.
Team news
France boss Deschamps has no injury or suspension worries for the semi-final and he is expected to name the same starting XI that ousted England from the tournament.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui is remaining coy over the status of injured trio Nayef Aguerd, Romain Saiss and Noussair Mazraoui, saying “no one is out for now, but no one is definitely in either.”
Yahia Attiyat Allah and Jawad El Yamiq both impressed when being thrust into the starting XI for the quarter-final victory, while Achraf Dari also looked good when coming on for Saiss in the second-half of that contest.
The Atlas Lions are without the services of striker Walid Cheddira, who received two yellow cards against Portugal and is suspended for the semi-final.
The stats
France are aiming to become just the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups, with Italy achieving the feat in 1934 and 1938 before Brazil then joined the party in 1958 and 1962.
Les Bleus have won their last six knockout games at the global showpiece, beating Argentina, Uruguay, Belgium and Croatia in Russia four years ago and then disposing of Poland and England in Qatar so far.
Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe has scored five goals in the Middle East, leaving him one ahead in the Golden Boot race, and his tally of 33 international strikes has already lifted him to seventh on his country’s all-time scoring charts.
Morocco are the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final and this run in Qatar eclipses their previous best performance at the tournament when they made it to the last 16 in 1986.
The Atlas Lions boast the best defensive record with just one goal conceded, that coming in the 2-1 win over Canada in their final group game, and even that was an own-goal.
France and Morocco have played each other seven times, the first meeting back in 1975, and Les Bleus have never tasted defeat, winning five and drawing two.
Predictions
If Morocco have their strongest defence available for the semi-final, then there is every chance they could continue their remarkable run and reach the final.
However, there are still huge doubts over the fitness of Aguerd, Saiss and Mazraoui, and even though their replacements impressed against Portugal, this clash against France is a whole different story.
Les Bleus have the talismanic Mbappe to call upon, while Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann further add to the attacking options at Deschamps’ disposal.
Morocco are sure to make this a real battle for France and it would be no surprise to see an extra 30 needed to separate these two teams.
Therefore, backing Les Bleus to win in extra time at 12/1 with LiveScore Bet looks a solid option.
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