France are a step away from becoming the first country to reach the final of the World Cup as defending champions, after Brazil in 1998, as Les Bleus engage the pride of Africa, Morocco at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday in the second semi-final clash of the 2022 World Cup.
The French might have altered the trend of the ‘defending champions curse’ but a higher hurdle awaits them as the Atlas Lions prepare to test their mettle once more.
Didier Deschamps’ men appear to be more clinical as their 11 goals scored so far, are two more than what they recorded in the 2018 World Cup en route to the semi-finals. However, while, many underrated their midfield following the injuries of Paul Pogba and N’golo Kante among other names, France have rather struggled to keep opponents at bay when it comes to defending. They have conceded in each of their last five matches and would champion a course to end that if they really are hungry for another world title.
France’s notable weakness seems to be the trademark of the Atlas Lions as Walid Regragui’s men are yet to concede from an opponent’s player. Nayef Aguerd’s own goal is the only strike that has beaten Yassine Bounou.
In their quarter-final tie with Portugal, a 42nd minute header from En Nesyri meant Portugal would press on to no avail in spite of Morocco’s injuries and panic.
France on the other hand escaped a scare as Harry Kane missed his second spot kick on the night to deny England a consecutive semi-final place. Aurelien Tchouameni and Olivier Giroud’s goals were what the champions needed to reach the last four.
The consistency in their upfront is another issue Morocco will have to deal with. Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud have eleven goal contributions between them while Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann have recorded three assists.
Achraf Hakimi will then have more to cope with as he faces his teammate Kylian Mbappe.
The winner of the match faces Argentina who were 3-0 winners over Croatia in the first semi-final game last Tuesday night.
FORM GUIDE(LAST FIVE MATCHES)
Morocco are still unbeaten in their eight matches under Walid Regragui. In their last five matches, they have won three and drawn twice. France have been defeated once in their last five matches. That defeat was against an African opponent, Tunisia.
FRANCE’S FORM
10 December 2022 England 1-2 France Quarter-finals, 2022 World Cup
4 December 2022 France 3-1 Poland Round of 16, 2022 World Cup
30 November 2022 Tunisia 1-0 France 2022 World Cup Group D
26 November 2022 France 2-1 Denmark 2022 World Cup Group D
22 November 2022 France 4-1 Australia 2022 World Cup Group D
MOROCCO’S FORM
11 December 2022 Morocco 1-0 Portugal Quarter-finals, 2022 World Cup
6 December 2022 Morocco 0-0 Spain Round of 16, 2022 World Cup
1 December 2022 Canada 1-2 Morocco 2022 World Cup Group F
27 November 2022 Belgium 0-2 Morocco 2022 World Cup Group F
23 November 2022 Morocco 0-0 Croatia 2022 World Cup Group F
HEAD TO HEAD
In their last five meetings, France have won three and drawn twice against Morocco. The two sides are, however, yet to lock horns in a competitive fixture.
23 Jan 1996 France 1-0 Morocco Under-21 v A
29 May 1998 Morocco 2-2 France King Hassan II Cup
20 Jan 1999 France 1-0 Morocco International Friendly
06 Jun 2000 Morocco 1-5 France Hassan II Tournament
16 Nov 2007 France 2-2 Morocco International Friendly
TEAM NEWS
FRANCE
Les Bleus have no fresh issues with regard to injury. Didier Deschamps is likely to maintain his lineup with Joules Kounde sealing the right-back spot at the expense of Benjamin Pavard. Olivier Giroud is expected to team up with Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele in the attack.
PREDICTED LINEUP
(4-2-3-1): Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
MOROCCO
Romain Saiss had his hamstring worsened when he played against Portugal and may not be in action due to that. Nayef Aguerd and Mazraoui are also racing against time to be fully fit for the semi-final tie. Walid Cheddira’s two yellow cards against Portugal means the 24-year-old will not make it.
PREDICTED LINEUP
(4-3-3): Bono; Hakimi, El Yamiq, Aguerd, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
Source: 3News.com