France’s reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar was much anticipated. But no one ever thought that Morocco would emerge as their opponent in the semi. Moroccans are said to be a dark horse in this tournament. Will the African team, which has produced one surprise after another, be able to stun the football world once more? We will get the answer tonight. The French will enter the field as favorites as they are ahead in apparent numbers, strength, and experience. Let’s get to know more from this France vs Morocco semi-final preview.

When and Where France vs Morocco Semi-final Match Will Be Held?

France and Morocco will meet at Al Bayt Stadium on December 15 at 1 AM Bangladesh time.

France vs Morocco: Head-to-Head Records So Far

Hakim Ziyech’s team became the first African country to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. This time the biggest obstacle in front of them is the current world champion France. Let’s take a look at the statistics of these two teams before the semi-final battle.

The first question that will come to everyone’s mind is who is ahead in the fight between these two teams in the World Cup. The answer is that this is the first time these two teams are facing each other in the World Cup. Although the Moroccan national team started in 1955, these two teams have not met in the World Cup until now. And now we are seeing them in a time where they can make history if they win.

Although they have not met in the World Cup, these two teams have met 11 times in international football, where France is quite ahead. In their eleven meetings, France won 7 matches, Moroccans won one, and three matches were drawn. However, Morocco won its first appearance in 1963.

Meanwhile, France and Morocco have faced each other in various minor tournaments. France has won every time there. The last time these two teams faced each other was in 2007. However, it was a 2-2 draw. But this time the stage is different. And in this World Cup, Morocco’s strength is also very evident.

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Performance of France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup So Far

France was one of the 13 teams that played in the inaugural World Cup in 1930. With this, France has appeared in the 16 World Cup and won the cup two times. Except for the loss to Tunisia in the group stage, France’s Qatar World Cup journey was very smooth.

After beating Poland in the round of 16, they faced a strong team, England, in the quarter-final. However, that match was moderately easy, too; they won by a 2-1 goal. Both teams fought hard in the heavyweight match of the quarter-finals. However, the entire responsibility for England’s loss to France should be on the captain Harry Kane. In the 84th minute of the match, England trailed by 2-1 goals. And just at that moment, England got a penalty. Earlier, Kane equalized England by scoring from the spot kick. However, Kane missed the second penalty, and they had to leave the World Cup.

But the French team is at an excellent pace. France’s attacking trio is in rhythm. Kylian Mbappe with 5 goals tops the list of highest goal scorers. Expert striker Olivier Giroud scored 4 goals, including the quarter-final winning goal against England. Forward Antoine Griezmann is playing great despite not seeing a goal so far. He assisted two goals in a 2-1 win against the English.

France has no injury update, and no player is missing the game. So, they will start the match with the main squad.

France’s players to watch

Kylian Mbappé, Olivier Giroud, Aurélien Tchouaméni.

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Morocco's Performance in the FIFA 2022 World Cup So Far

Meanwhile, in addition to being undefeated in the World Cup, Morocco has conceded only one goal. That, too, was an own goal against Canada. As a result, there is no opportunity to question Morocco’s defense. They went to the last sixteen as the group’s best and sent off the 2010 World Cup champion Spain in a penalty shootout. After that, they beat Cristiano Ronaldo’s team Portugal by 1-0 at the scheduled time and booked their ticket to the semis.

But Morocco may fall behind in the field from one side. And that is the experience of not playing in the semi-finals on such a world stage. Where France is playing in the semi-final for the seventh time in the World Cup. However, the ‘Giant Destroyer’ Moroccans have already proved that they have the ability to send off another strong team. Their excellent defensive performance has contributed greatly to Morocco’s unprecedented success.

Morocco’s main strength is their defensive understanding, above all, the mental acuity to use their plans on the field. Rather than defense, however, Morocco will look to Sofyan Amrabat to keep France’s midfield inactive. Essentially Amravati will need to flare up one more to stop Griezmann. Along with that, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou’s great form will keep them ahead mentally.

Romain Saiss’s injury could be a concern for Morocco. If he doesn’t return, there won’t be much chance to stop Giroud. Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui may be able to handle Mbappe and Dembele in the pace game in two wings. However, if Giroud can commit a few passes in the match to either of them, then danger will appear in Morocco’s defense.

Morocco’s players to watch

Hakim Ziyech, Achraf Hakimi, and Yassine Bounou.

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Squads of France & Morocco in the Semi-final of FIFA World Cup 2022

Probable Starting Squad of France Against Morocco

Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud

Probable Starting Squad of Morocco Against France

Bounou; Hakimi, El Yamiq, Aguerd, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal

France vs Morocco Semi-final Match Result Prediction

France is clearly ahead of Morocco in terms of experience and pace. So, according to experts, France will easily win this game. They may score at least 2 goals without conceding any goal.

Final Words

France vs Morocco semi-final of FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022 will be an exciting match, with both teams will surely fight hard for the win. Both teams possess the skill and talent to make a thrilling match, and the winner could be decided by a moment of brilliance or a mistake. France is the favorite to win this match, but Morocco has the ability to surprise and put up a good fight.