France vs Morocco will probably the most awaited FIFA World Cup 2022 Semi-Final clash. The defending champion France, Argentina, Croatia, and the African powerhouse Morocco all advanced to the semifinals, making history by becoming the first African and Arab nation to do so in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
France, Argentina, Croatia, and African country Morocco are the four teams that have booked a place in the FIFA World Cup semifinals starting on December 14 (Wednesday). While Argentina will play against Croatia in the first semifinal on Wednesday, France will face the Atlas Lions, Morocco in Qatar World Cup on Thursday (December 15).
A former French colony Morocco is one of the two undefeated sides – Croatia is the other- to reach the semifinal in this World Cup. Morocco and Croatia are the two undefeated teams to reach the semifinal in this World Cup.
FIFA World Cup 2022 The Final Four
Morocco defeated Belgium and Canada in the group stage, and 2010 champion Spain in the round of 16. In the quarterfinal, it beat Euro 2016 winner Portugal to secure a place in the semifinals. Walid Regragui’s defensively strong side has conceded just one goal en route to the semifinals against Canada.
France, which won its second World Cup title in Russia four years ago, started its title defence with wins over Australia and Denmark but lost to African side Tunisia 1-0. In the pre-quarterfinal, the Les Blues registered a resounding 3-1 win over Poland and followed that with a magnificent 2-1 win over England in the quarterfinal.
Two-time World Cup winner France, on the other hand, kicked off its title defence with wins over Australia and Denmark but lost to African side Tunisia 1-0. In the pre-quarterfinal, the Les Blues registered a resounding 3-1 win over Poland and followed that with a magnificent 2-1 win over England in the quarterfinal. France has won 3 semi-finals and lost 3 in its history.
France vs Morocco semifinals will be played at Al Bayt Stadium. As of today, the win probability shows France ahead with 63 per cent.
France Vs Morocco who has the edge?
France vs Morocco meet again after they have met five times so far in international friendlies. But they have never met in the World Cup. This will be their first meeting at the showpiece event.
Their first meeting came in 1988 when France beat Morocco 2-1. However, in unrecognised matches, the two sides played multiple times in the 1960s.
In a friendly in 1998, Morocco prevailed over France in a penalty shootout. The Atlas Lions took a 2-0 lead from a brace by Salaheddine Bassir before Laurent Blanc and Youri Djorkaeff levelled the score. In the shootout, Morocco won, its only win over France.
The two sides met again in 1999 and 2000, with France beating Morocco 1-0 and 5-1, respectively. Thierry Henry, Djorkaeff, Christophe Dugarry, Nicolas Anelka, and Sylvain Wiltord scored for France.
The most recent France vs Morocco meeting came in a friendly in 2007 when they settled for a 2-2 draw at Stade de France, Paris.
In the eighth minute, Tarik Sektioui put Morocco ahead. Sidney Govou equalised within seven minutes. In the second half, Samir Nasri gave France a 2-1 lead, but a late goal by Youssef Mokhtari forced the match to end in a 2-2 draw.
France have never lost to Morocco
France have never lost against Morocco, with all five of their previous meetings coming in friendlies. The most recent encounter was a 2-2 draw in Saint-Denis in November 2007. Morocco would like to become the first African nation to reach the World Cup Final.
France are playing in their seventh World Cup semi-final – having been eliminated from each of their first three (1958, 1982, 1986), they have won each of their last three matches at this stage (1998, 2006, 2018).
Morocco team
Bounou; Hakimi, El Yamiq, Benoun, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal.
France team
Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, Hernandez; Griezmann, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Giroud, Mbappe.
The FIFA World Cup final will be played on December 18, 2022 at Lusail Stadium in Al Daayen.
