2022 FIFA World Cup
Wednesday 14th December 2022
Kick off at 7pm GMT
Venue: Al Bayt Stadium
Match Preview:
It’s fair to say that for the past 25 years France has been the best footballing nation in the world. In that time they have won 2 World Cups, a European Championship, one Nations League and appeared in a Euro’s final and also another World Cup final. They are just one match from making it 4 World Cup final appearances in the last 7. Anyone who has not taken an interest in this World Cup would be stunned to see their opponent is Morocco and on paper this would seem like a very easy semi-final game however the Atlas Lions have been roaring in defence and this is set to be a very close encounter.
For France they had to get past an old foe and perhaps one of the best England teams we have seen in a generation. A 2-1 victory would have given the French a lot of confidence coming into this game however Didier Deschamps side really had to dig deep and at times were not the better side and that was unexpected. At 1-0 up they let England back into the game and in fact we have seen many matches at this World Cup play out like that, which has probably been the reason behind it being such an enjoyable tournament. Kylian Mbappe will be hoping to have a more impactful game, he has 5 goals so far and is in the lead to win the Golden Boot but the best player on the pitch for France against England was Antoine Griezmann. He was all over the pitch and Les Bleus will be hoping that he is on his game once again.
Morocco have scored just one more goal than Mbappe and they have come across like Greece at Euro 2004. It has all been about organisation and defence and getting that first goal, and for now it has worked out so well that they are breaking records and have become the first African team to reach the last four. It has been quite a run for Walid Regragui’s side who have only conceded 1 goal against Canada in the group stages and even that was an own goal. They have been able to beat Belgium, Spain and Portugal and effectively in that quarter final game end Cristiano Ronaldo’s chance of winning a World Cup. Coming into that match much like this one Morocco were seen as the outsiders and while Portugal did dominate possession having over 70% it’s interesting to note that the teams had the same number of shots on target- 3 each.
Team News:
France: The team has no injury concerns ahead of this game.
Morocco: Walid Cheddira is suspended after he was sent off against Portugal for two yellow cards. Nayef Aguerd is rushing back from a muscle injury and will be assessed. Romain Saiss has a problem with his hamstring although it could be a minor issue and he hasn’t been ruled out for this game.
France vs Morocco Head to Head:
The teams have played 7 times and France have never lost with 5 wins and 2 draws.
The nations haven’t played in 15 years and that game which was a friendly ended 2-2.
4 of the last 5 meetings has seen over 2.5 goals.
France vs Morocco Prediction:
Just forgetting that this is a World Cup semi-final for a moment this fixture means a lot to these teams. In France there is a big Moroccan population so scenes on Wednesday evening could be quite tense. As for the game it’s advantage for France all the way. They have the better side, they have more experience at this level and they have never lost to Morocco. We can also expect the French to have the majority of possession and the best chances. Portugal had many critics as they fell in the quarters to Morocco but they just lacked ideas, this French side won’t and despite how well drilled Morocco will be we don’t see them keeping out France and this should be a decent win for the current champions.
Despite how well organised Morocco will be it would be a major surprise to see them win this game. However if they can defend as we have seen and try for penalties then who knows what can happen? However history is against the Atlas Lions because at the World Cup the cream rises to the top eventually and it should do yet again in midweek. France simply has too many options and they should find a way to unlock the door here.
France vs Morocco Betting Tips:
France to beat Morocco at 1.50
Anytime goalscorer: Kylian Mbappe at 2.25
Half Time Correct Score: 0-0 or 1-0 to France at 2.50 and 3.25
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