In Wednesday’s last-four match in Qatar, World Cup holders France will face Africa’s first-ever semi-finalists Morocco.
AFP Sport examines some of the game’s key elements:
Rock-solid Morocco
Morocco has only conceded one goal in the tournament, an own goal in their 2-1 group stage win over Canada, with Croatia, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal all failing to breach a rock-solid back line.
However, France has a number of goal threats. Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud have combined for nine goals, and Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann will also pose numerous questions.
Morocco’s defense has a number of fitness concerns; centre-back Nayef Aguerd missed the Portugal game due to a muscle injury, and his regular partner, Romain Saiss, was substituted due to a hamstring injury.
Whoever Walid Regragui is able to send out will have to be completely focused – France demonstrated against England that even if Mbappe is neutralized, there are plenty of other threats.
France is concerned about counter-attacks.
France will most likely have plenty of possession in the Moroccan half, but they must be wary of quick counter-attacks.
Morocco’s style is direct, and while they prefer to play on the flanks, with Hakim Ziyech on the right and Sofiane Boufal on the left, they can also go long to striker Youssef En-Nesyri and then sprint forward in support.
France’s full-backs Jules Kounde and Theo Hernandez can expect a busy night, while Morocco will look to capitalize on any mistakes made by centre-half Dayot Upamecano, who struggled against England.
“We are well aware of their qualities, even if they do not frequently possess,” Kounde said. “They’re very efficient with the ball, combining quickly and finding their wide players.”
Morocco, do you have legs?
Morocco expended a lot of energy in their victories over Spain and Portugal, and with some players injured, Wednesday’s game will be a true test of their endurance and stamina.
The match against Spain went to penalties, while the second half against Portugal was frantic.
France, on the other hand, has been able to complete their knockout games without the need for extra time and should be much fresher.
Didier Deschamps’ men will try to take advantage of their fitnees advantage by making Morocco work hard without the ball, switching play, and forcing Regragui’s team to chase the ball, especially early on.
The lions roared.
France has fewer injury concerns and more attacking weapons, but Morocco will have the Al Bayt Stadium crowd behind them, urging them to pull off another upset.
The African team, known as the Atlas Lions, has been one of the most well-supported in Qatar, and they will benefit from massive support on Wednesday as the first Arab team to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
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