After facing challenges in obtaining medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, African nations have pledged to reduce dependency on imports. In a milestone for the continent, a Moroccan firm has begun producing mpox testing kits amid ongoing outbreaks. Moldiag, a Moroccan startup, initiated the development of mpox tests after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a global emergency in August. Africa’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported over 59,000 mpox cases and 1,164 deaths across 20 countries this year. To address the crisis, the WHO has announced plans to provide mpox tests, vaccines, and treatments to vulnerable populations in low-income countries, although it has faced criticism for delays. The organization emphasizes the importance of testing all suspected cases. However, in remote regions affected by the outbreak, testing remains a challenge. Many provinces in Congo lack laboratory facilities, with some regions relying solely on physical symptoms and temperature checks for diagnosis. This limits the ability to track the virus's spread effectively, health officials say. “This is a major issue,” said Musole Robert, medical director of the Kavumu Referral Hospital in eastern Congo’s South Kivu province. “Our laboratories are inadequately equipped.” Mpox spreads primarily through close skin-to-skin contact or contaminated materials, such as clothing or bedding. Testing involves swabbing lesions and sending samples to labs for analysis. Accurate testing is crucial as mpox symptoms can resemble those of chickenpox or measles. While some Western nations developed rapid mpox tests in 2022, these efforts were discontinued after the virus was contained. Renewed outbreaks in Africa, including a potentially more transmissible strain, have reignited concerns. Morocco has reported three mpox cases, with most incidents occurring in central Africa. Moldiag’s $5 tests offer a cost-effective solution to the continent’s testing shortages. The company has already received orders from Burundi, Uganda, and Congo and has also supplied kits to Senegal and Nigeria. “It’s simpler to send tests within Africa than to wait for imports from Europe or Asia,” said Moldiag founder Abdeladim Moumen. Moldiag, which emerged from Morocco’s Foundation for Advanced Science, Innovation and Research, previously developed genetic tests for COVID-19 and tuberculosis. The company gained Africa CDC approval in November but has yet to seek expedited approval from the WHO. The Africa CDC has established processes to accelerate test approvals, bypassing delays typical of WHO evaluations, which can take months or years. According to Yenew Tebeje, acting director for laboratory diagnostics at the Africa CDC, ensuring quick access to medical supplies has historically been a challenge for African nations. Moldiag’s efforts align with the African Union's post-COVID-19 goals of fostering local manufacturing to combat global disparities in medical supply distribution. The startup’s tests are priced in line with WHO standards and health advocate demands. Moumen highlighted the importance of localized production, saying, “It makes sense to manufacture tests in regions facing outbreaks. African tests for Africa.”

French President Emmanuel Macron arrives Monday in Morocco, where he is expected to meet with the North African kingdom’s leaders and discuss partnerships regarding trade, climate change and immigration. During the president’s three-day visit to Rabat, he is scheduled to meet with King Mohammed VI and Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and address Morocco’s Parliament. It comes months after Macron changed France’s longstanding public position and backed Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed Western Sahara. The move endeared the country to Morocco and alienated it from Algeria, which hosts refugee camps governed by the pro-independence Polisario Front and has long pushed for a U.N.-organized referendum to solve the conflict. In the days leading up to the visit, Moroccan publications lauded the “warm reunion” and a “new honeymoon” between the two countries while French flags were hung throughout Rabat. France and Morocco have historically partnered on issues ranging from counterterrorism to Western Sahara. Morocco is the top destination for French investment in Africa and France is Morocco’s top trade partner. Morocco imports French cereals, renewable energy infrastructure like turbines and weapons. Morocco exports goods to France including tomatoes, cars and airplane parts. Moroccans are among the largest foreign-born communities in France, where North African immigrants are a key political constituency and a focal point of debates about the roles of Islam and immigration in French society. In recent months, France’s new Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has pushed for the country to take a hard-line approach toward immigration and seek deals with countries like Morocco to better prevent would-be migrants from crossing into Europe. On Macron’s last visit to Morocco, he and King Mohammed VI inaugurated Al Boraq, Africa’s first high-speed rail line, made possible by French financing and trains manufactured by the French firm Alstrom. Despite close ties, relations have at times been fragile between France and Morocco, which was a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956. In 2021, Morocco suspended consular relations France momentarily reduced the number of visas offered to Moroccans in protest of its refusal to provide documents needed to deport people who migrated to France without authorization. Relations between the two countries soured further that year when a 2021 report revealed Morocco’s security services had used Israeli spyware to infiltrate the devices of activists and politicians, including Macron. Morocco denied and sued over the allegations.

Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force(BAF) Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan left Dhaka for Morocco on Saturday on an official visit along with his spouse and two entourage at the invitation of Major General Mohammed Gadih, Inspector of Royal Moroccan Air Force. British parliamentary delegation lauds Bangladesh's development under Hasina’s leadership  During the visit, Chief of Air Staff of the BAF will make courtesy call on with Inspector General, Royal Moroccan Air Force. They will exchange views on bilateral issues of mutual interests. Book on Nepal-Bangladesh friendship launched at Nepal Embassy in Dhaka Besides, the BAF chief will also visit Royal Air School and different military installations. This visit of Chief of Air Staff will play a significant role in strengthening the existing relationship between Bangladesh Air Force and Royal Moroccan Air Force, says a press release of Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate. Bangladesh’s security forces remain alert along Myanmar border: Foreign Minister   The Chief of Air Staff will return to Bangladesh on February 2 from Morocco after completing the his official visit.

Morocco’s fans in the Arab world took the North African team’s 2-1 loss to Croatia in Saturday’s World Cup third-place playoff philosophically. The team had already made history, becoming the first Arab and first African team to reach the semifinals in the international soccer tournament. Its loss to France on Wednesday dashed fans' hopes that Morocco would become an underdog champion, but many had hoped that it would at least take third place in facing off against Croatia. Read more: Croatia beats Morocco 2-1 to take 3rd place at World Cup In the Moroccan capital, national team's fans were disappointed by Saturday's loss, but pointed with pride to the team’s historic performance. “They remain champions in our eyes,” said Soukaina Makkaoui, a fan in Rabat. “They are now among the four top teams in the world.” Ali Hachimi, another Moroccan fan, was both proud and sad. “We would have liked to finish third because the players deserved it after giving their all,” he said. Along the way, the Moroccan team charmed many Arab soccer fans who saw in the team a reflection of themselves, with players waving the Palestinian flag after their wins and celebrating on the field with their mothers and children. Read more: Morocco look to the future after World Cup dream ends Seeing Palestinian flags fluttering in the stadium “was an indescribable feeling,” said Ibrahim al-Lilli, who was among thousands of fans in the Gaza Strip who gathered to cheer for Morocco on Saturday. The games affirmed that the Arab street “supports the Palestinian cause regardless of what their governments do,” he said, referring to the Abraham Accord normalization agreements that four Arab countries — including Morocco — signed with Israel in 2020. Fans in the besieged Gaza enclave found a bitter solace in the fact that the northern Africa Arab country got as far as it did. “It’s a defeat, albeit with a taste of victory and joy,” said Ahmed al-Najjar, another fan in Gaza. In Beirut's Tarik al-Jdideh neighborhood, where fans were also rooting for Morocco, Muhammad Shaalan said the team's fourth-place finish is still a point of pride for the Arab world. “They arrived to the final games and they defeated three of the best big European teams (Belgium, Spain and Portugal)," he said. “I bow my head in respect to them as an Arab team."

Luka Modric led Croatia to third place in what was likely the midfield great’s last appearance at the World Cup. The runners-up from four years ago secured another medal by beating Morocco 2-1 in the third-place match on Saturday. Mislav Orsic scored the decisive goal shortly before halftime at Khalifa International Stadium to ensure Modric finished on a winning note, if this does turn out to be his last World Cup match. At the age of 37, that seems likely, even if there are hopes he will lead his country at the 2024 European Championship. Josko Gvardiol put Croatia ahead in the seventh minute, but Achraf Dari evened the score in the ninth. It is the second time Croatia has taken third place. The team also achieved that feat in its first World Cup as an independent nation 1998. After becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals, Morocco’s tournament ended in two losses. But the team’s achievements in Qatar will be remembered for the outpouring of pride among Arab nations. The World Cup final between defending champion France and Argentina is scheduled for Sunday at Lusail Stadium. Read more: Morocco v Croatia: Fight for 3rd place, or losers' playoff? The third-place match is considered by some to be a meaningless exhibition. Even Morocco coach Walid Regragui described it as a “booby prize” in the buildup. But neither team lacked motivation in a fiercely contested game between two nations that few expected to go so far. That was underlined by a host of players needing to be substituted because of injury in the second half as Morocco pushed for an equalizer. The teams had already played out 0-0 draw in the group stage and had made to the semifinals on the back of tough defenses, with a combined six shutouts. Goals weren’t a problem this time. Perhaps that was because of the relative freedom of playing in a game with supposedly little at stake. Another factor for Morocco, at least, was the absence of three key defenders, Romain Saiss, Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui. The impact of those absences was felt when Croatia took the lead off Gvardiol’s diving header. In a slick move, Ivan Perisic flicked a free kick into the middle of the penalty box and the center back did the rest. Morocco responded two minutes later when Lovro Majer inadvertently helped on Hakim Ziyech’s free kick and Dari headed in to even the score. Croatia, however, was back in front three minutes before halftime. Read more: Qatar World Cup: Croatia vs Morocco match ends in goalless draw Orsic picked up the ball on the left of the box and curled a shot toward the top corner. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou got a touch on the ball, but could only push it onto the post on its way into the net.

To some, it’s little more than a meaningless exhibition match. To others, it’s a chance to become “immortal.” The third-place playoff at the World Cup can be a confusing concept. “You are so disappointed, you’ve just lost a semifinal and then two days later you have to go back out there,” Morocco coach Walid Regragui said Friday. Regragui’s history-making team — the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals — will play Croatia on Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium. Read more: Morocco look to the future after World Cup dream ends “It’s like the booby prize,” Regragui said. “I am sorry for speaking like this. I understand that it should be important, I understand that it is better to finish third than fourth, but for, me my takeaway is that we just didn’t get to the final.” Morocco’s run to the semifinals in Qatar provided the most improbable story of the tournament. The team was also the first Arab nation to go so far in soccer’s biggest event, generating an outpouring of pride among Arab countries. After such a wild and dizzying ride, it’s understandable that Regragui sounded so flat when looking ahead to the match against Croatia. It’s also a measure of his own ambition that he ends an unforgettable tournament for African soccer with a sense of disappointment after being beaten by defending champion France 2-0. “Yes, finishing third would be great for our image. We would be on the podium,” the coach said. “But you know what, even if we win the game tomorrow we won’t have got to the final and we won’t have won the World Cup.” The atmosphere from the Croatian side has been more upbeat. Read more: Croatia’s ‘golden generation’ nears end after World Cup The runners-up from the last World Cup in Russia lost to Argentina 3-0 in the other semifinal match, but their players have spoken of the importance of winning another medal. Forward Andrej Kramarić described it as the chance to “become an immortal hero in your country.” “Eight of us from (the tournament in) Russia understand that feeling of winning a medal at the World Cup and we have a lot of players who haven’t experienced that and would love to do that because it’s something that will stay with you for the rest of their life,” Kramarić said. Luka Modric, who is likely playing in his last World Cup, had similar thoughts. “We need to leave everything to win the bronze medal and let our fans celebrate one more time,” he said. To finish second and third in back-to-back World Cups would further secure the legacy of a golden generation for Croatia. “Saturday’s match is not a small one for us, but a big final, a fight for third place, for a medal,” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić said. “We have to prepare in every sense. It’s a big thing if we take the bronze medal, that would be great. “The difference is being third or fourth in the world, we will do everything to do that.” Morocco and Croatia have already played each other at this year’s World Cup, a 0-0 draw in the group stage. “We know that Croatia got a lot of stick because they weren’t able to beat Morocco,” Regragui said. “Morocco was one of the underdogs and now we both reached the semifinals.” Injured Morocco center back Romain Saiss, the team’s captain, will miss the game after lasting only 21 minutes against France. Noussair Mazraoui, also substituted in that match, is a doubt. “We have really, really pushed our players to the limits, but they still want to go out tomorrow and play again,” Regragui said. “But we are not going to be taking risks tomorrow for some of our players.”

Morocco made history, but couldn’t make it past Kylian Mbappé and France. The first African country to reach the semifinals of the World Cup was eventually beaten by defending champions France, losing 2-0 at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday. There is still the chance to win the third place match against Croatia on Saturday, but the dream of becoming the first team from outside of Europe or South America to go all the way to a final is over. Read more: Morocco face France in politically charged World Cup semifinal Morocco coach Walid Regragui and his players became the unlikeliest story of the World Cup and even in defeat, pushed France all the way. “My players gave everything. They’ve gone as far as they could,” said Regragui. “They wanted to rewrite the history books, but you can’t win a World Cup with miracles, you have to do it with hard work and that’s what we are going to do, keep working.” EXPECTATION VS. PERFORMANCE No one could have expected Morocco to break new boundaries for African soccer by making it to the semifinals. It was also the first Arab nation to go so far at a World Cup. And it did so on merit - topping a group that contained 2018 finalist Croatia and second-ranked Belgium, before progressing past favorites Spain and Portugal in the knockout stages. But perhaps Morocco’s best performance came against France when it had to contend with injuries to key players and conceding a goal inside five minutes. In the face of those challenges it still managed to pressure France for long periods until Randal Kolo Muani’s 79th minute strike sealed the win for Les Bleus. The performance typified Morocco’s spirit at this tournament and the quality of its players. Read more: Will Messi's last performance in World Cup help Argentina win the trophy in Qatar? WHO’S OUT? Regragui has won plenty of admirers for his tactical acumen against some of the giants of international soccer. It will be interesting to see if any offers come his way from leading club teams in Europe - and whether he would be tempted to take up a new challenge. He says he is committed to leading Morocco at the 2023 African Cup of Nations, which will come as a relief to the country’s fans. Key defender and captain Romain Saiss is 32 and may have played in his last World Cup, but Morocco has a lot of young players, who could go again in four years when the tournament is held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. WHO’S NEXT? Midfielder Azz-Eddine Ounahi has been one of the brightest emerging talents at the tournament and could be the subject of interest from leading clubs in January or next summer. At 22 he is yet to reach his peak and currently plays his club soccer for Angers, the bottom club in France’s first division. Achraf Hakimi is already established at Paris Saint-Germain, but the 24-year-old right back has the potential to develop further and lead a golden generation for Morocco. WHAT’S NEXT? First of all Morocco wants to round off an unforgettable World Cup by winning its third place match against Croatia. Focus will then turn to the African Cup of Nations and Regragui is comfortable with the added expectation after the success in Qatar. “There’s more pressure. We know that we were often the favorites, but now in the semifinals we couldn’t hide,” he said. “I think we will have a bit of time to find our way in the competition. The next match is in March. “But like I said before, I’m not hiding. If we don’t get to at least the semifinals, then I will leave. It has to be that way.”

Hind Sabouni bristles with pride as she recalls her country's history-making World Cup run as it eliminated one European soccer powerhouse and former colonial power after another — Belgium, Spain and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal — to become the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals. For the 26-year-old English teacher in Morocco's capital, and many of her countrymen both inside the North African nation and throughout the diaspora, it's about to get more complicated. Next up is France: The defending champion and Morocco’s former colonial ruler for much of the first half of the 20th century. Wednesday’s match has political and emotional resonance for both nations. It dredges up everything that’s complex about the relationship in which France still wields considerable economic, political and cultural influence. “This game is one of a kind,” Sabouni said. “Especially since France is next to beat.” “We can show the rest of the world that Morocco is no longer France’s backyard." For the former protectorate, the match against the defending champion is an opportunity to show that Morocco is a formidable foe — on the soccer pitch at least — even though immigration between the two countries has blurred the lines for many in France and Morocco about who to support Wednesday in Qatar. Read more: Motherly love boosts Morocco’s team spirit at World Cup Over the past decade, Morocco’s relationship with France has changed. Sabouni said her generation of Moroccans is tired of France’s dominance. Young Moroccans, she said, “speak English instead of French, they buy more American products than French ones and even those who want to seek a better life abroad try to avoid France.” “Even though this is just a football game, some people view it as an opportunity for revenge,” Sabouni said. But not everyone. Kenza Bartali, a communications professional in Rabat, sees no political overtones to the match. She obtained her master's degree in France, and lived for two years in Paris and the southern cities of Nice and Toulon between 2016 and 2018. She made “wonderful friends" who are still her friends today. “Most Moroccan students were treated with respect," the 26-year-old said. Still, there is no doubt which team she's supporting. “I sincerely hope that Morocco advances to the final,” Bartali said. “I am aware that it will be difficult because France is a very good team, but we are hoping for the best.” Sabouni's sentiments resonate with Moroccans and other North Africans in France. Although the younger generation of immigrants and their descendants appear to be more at ease with multiple identities and languages in France, they still face institutional discrimination, racial and ethnic prejudice in public life, economic hardship and lack of job opportunities. As in previous World Cups, France once again has turned to their national soccer team made up of players from diverse backgrounds as evidence that the country has indeed become a melting pot despite lurking prejudice, stoked against immigrants by elected right-wing politicians. “Cultural changes and changes in life on the ground do have an effect and the team represents that,” said Laurent Dubois, a professor at University of Virginia in Charlottesville who has authored two books on French and international soccer. Read more: Morocco become first African & Arab nation to reach WC semis “The way the players inhabit being French and don’t seem to have an issue with also being African or anything else at the same time is an antidote to the immigrant resentment on the right.” In Morocco, people have embraced the team's foreign-born players as their native sons. They welcome the experience and professionalism they bring from Europe's top clubs and are proud they chose Morocco as their national team when they could have played for the countries of their births, from Spain to Canada to Belgium and beyond. The Morocco national team depends heavily on the diaspora, with 14 of the squad’s 26 players born abroad, including their French-born coach, Walid Regragui, the highest proportion for any team at the World Cup. Like Morocco’s supporters at home and an estimated 5 million scattered around Europe and beyond, many players grapple with family tales of colonial history, the challenges of immigration and questions of national loyalty. They want desperately to detach from the burdens of the past and win a place in the World Cup final — whether home for them is in France or Morocco, or Belgium, Canada, Tunisia, Algeria or elsewhere. “Most of the Moroccan players who were born abroad chose Morocco as their national team because they feel they play for more than just to win a football match,” said Maher Mezahi, a Marseille-based Algerian journalist covering African football. “They play to elevate national pride and to make their family proud." For Regragui, his and his player's dual identities are meaningless in the biggest match the squad has faced. “I’m a dual national, and that’s an honor and a pleasure,” the Moroccan coach said. “And it’s an honor and a pleasure to face France. But I’m the Morocco coach and we’re going to be playing the best team in the world. The most important thing is to get through to the final.” “When we play for the Moroccan national team, we are Moroccans,” Regragui said.

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. Read More: Argentina erupts in joy after team reaches World Cup final 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. Read More: Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 to reach World Cup final 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. Read More: Modrić's dream of winning World Cup ends 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.

This year's FIFA World Cup is coming to an end as 28 teams left after 60 matches. There have been several incidents and upsets at the World Cup in Qatar. Among the favorites, Brazil, Germany, and Spain are out. Portugal could not survive in the fight for the last eight. Croatia, Argentina, and Morocco, France will meet in the semifinals of the World Cup. Let’s take a look at the semi-final round of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. 4 Teams in the FIFA World Cup semifinals Last World Cup’s runners-up Croatia will face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the first semifinal on December 13. In the next match, on December 15, Morocco will face the current champion France. Both matches will start at 1 am Bangladesh time.  Croatia Croatia, the finalists of the World Cup in Russia, kept their glory in Qatar. Luka Modric’s team defeated Japan in the last sixteen as runners-up from Group F. The Croats booked their place in the semifinals by upsetting Brazil, who were on a mission to win the Hexa. The game ended 1-1 in extra time after neither team could score in the first 90 minutes. After defeating Brazil by 4-2 in the tiebreaker, Croatia reached the last four. When Neymar scored a goal in the injury time of the first half of extra time, it seemed that one of the favorites in the tournament this time, Brazil, would go to the semifinals. But Petkovic’s goal late in the match equalized and eventually won the tiebreaker as Croatia reached the semifinals. Croatia will face Argentina in the first semifinal of the tournament. This might be a tough match for Argentina as ever-dependable Luka Modric is in full form as their captain. Additionally, Josko Gvardiol will stay as the great wall of China in Croatian defense. None of Croatia’s players saw a yellow card in the last eight matches against Brazil. So, no player will miss the match. Overall, Croatia is a balanced team, as they have some good players in all positions. Hence, Croatia will have the edge over Argentina. Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022 Argentina vs Croatia LIVE Streaming: Where and How to watch online and TV Channel, Predicted XI Argentina This time Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina confirmed the last sixteen from the ‘C’ group. Albicelestes are unbeaten after stumbling to Saudi Arabia in the group stage. After beating Mexico and Poland to become the group champion, Messi-De Paul’s team defeated Australia in the last sixteen and the Netherlands in a tiebreaker in the quarterfinals. Now their obstacle is Croatia on their way to the final. Read More: FIFA charges Argentina for disorders at World Cup match Like their opponent Croatia, Argentina beat the Netherlands in the same way in the tiebreaker. The game was drawn 2-2 draw in 90 minutes. With no goals in overtime, the game went to a tiebreaker. Lionel Messi’s Argentina won that by 4-3. Referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz showed 18 yellow cards and one red card in the Argentina-Netherlands match in the quarterfinals. Among them, eight players from Argentina, including Lionel Messi. Apart from this, coach Lionel Scaloni and another member of the coaching staff, Walter Samuel, also received yellow cards. It was Messi’s first yellow card in this world cup, so there is no problem for him to play in the semifinal. However, Acuna and Montiel saw their second yellow card at the World Cup in Qatar.  According to the FIFA 2022 World Cup laws, if a player receives a yellow card in any two matches from the group stage to the quarterfinals, the player will miss the match following the second yellow card. As a result, Acuna and Montiel will not be available in the semifinal matchup. So, Argentina might face problems because of their absence. And this might give them a chance to Croatia. Morocco Morocco, the lion of the Atlas Mountains, is showing strength throughout the tournament. The favorites like Belgium, Spain, and Portugal have been sent away by Morocco. For the first time in the history of the World Cup, Morocco has confirmed the semifinals as an African team. After sharing points with Croatia on the group stage, the African nation defeated Canada and Belgium. Yassine Bounou’s team stopped Spain in a tiebreaker in the last sixteen. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal is also defeated by the Moroccans. Reigning champions France face Ziyesh-Hakimidi at Al Bait Stadium. At the beginning of the World Cup, in group stages, Moroccan footballers ran a lot on the field. Now it seems they didn’t do it without purpose. Their recovery runs, challenges on the ball, everything has been good. Moroccans didn’t do anything unnecessary on the field with excessive passion; everything they did came in handy, and they eventually saw success. Moroccan footballers’ main strength is the ability to run relentlessly. In the running, they seem to be the best athletic team in this World Cup. Some players play in Europe and Hakimi in PSG. Morocco is the best surprise of this World Cup with the quality of the players and maturity. Also, Yassine Bounou is another reason behind Morocco's win in all those games. But, compared to their opponent, France, Morocco’s speed might not work, as stopping Mbappe will be very hard for them. Read More: Morocco become first African & Arab nation to reach WC semis France Didier Deschamps’ French team is most favorite to win the World Cup 2022. The injury-plagued team played great in the group stage and secured the last sixteen. After beating Lewandowski’s Poland by a big margin, France faced another favorite, England. France made it to the last four after a hard-fought battle. Now, they will face Morocco to reach the Final. This time, France reached the semifinals of the World Cup for the second consecutive time after defeating the English. Four years ago, coach Didier Deschamps’ team won the 2018 World Cup in Russia. This time, the French did not get star midfielders like N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba and world-famous forwards like Karim Benzema due to injuries. Despite this, a number of young and experienced footballers continue to show eye-catching performances. Although there are some issues in the defense, it is compensated by the stars of the midfield and attack. Now they have a chance to become world champions for the second time in a row. France is getting all their star in their semifinal. Except for the defense, they have a great rhythm in the midfield and attack. France is the favorite to win in the semi. Read More: Argentina vs Croatia Semi-Final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022 Final Words There is no doubt that the 22nd FIFA World Cup in Qatar is the best in terms of incidents and surprises of medium-power teams. Like the 2018 World Cup in Russia, there is a bright possibility of a final between France and Croatia. But, again, this World Cup has been very unpredictable. Not to mention, the semi-final matches of FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022 will be entertaining. Hence, we have to wait until Thursday to know the two finalists.