France vs Morocco, FIFA World Cup 2022, Today Match Prediction

France vs Morocco Match Prediction & Analysis

France were not at their very best against England in their Quarter Final game, but a goal each from Olivier Giroud and Aurelien Tchouameni was enough to send them through.

In truth, England deserved more from the game. While they were never in the lead at any point, they took command of the match for much of the tie and were unlucky to go out as they did.

Still, France showed the most important quality of champions – to win at any cost. They now have a fantastic opportunity to reach their second World Cup final in a row and retain the trophy itself.

Morocco have created the headlines so far, of course. Becoming the first African nation, and the first of the Arab world, to reach a World Cup Semi Final, they have already created history.

To reach a Final would be the stuff that dreams are made of, but is this one step too far for the team that have shocked the world already?

TEAMS PREVIEW

France Preview

FIFA Ranking: 4

Predicted Finish: Winners

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Have won their last three World Cup Semi Finals

     Didier Deschamps has won 13 of his 17 World Cup games as manager

Reasons to be fearful:

     Yet to keep a clean sheet at this tournament

     Defender Upamecano and midfielder Rabiot are injury doubts

We already know that France have what it takes to win – they showed us four years ago when they lifted the trophy in Russia.

Indeed, they have now progressed from each of their last three Semi Finals and are aiming to be the first nation for 60 years to retain the trophy, with Brazil the last to do so in 1962.

They overcame their toughest opponents of their tournament so far in England in the Quarter Finals. England, had they scored their second penalty of the night, may have gone on to win the game.

As it happened, France showed the determination of champions and held on. They now face a team that has taken down several big guns at this tournament.

Here, Deschamps may have to decide between Konate and Saliba to slot into central defence in play of Upamecano, while Rabiot may not be fit enough to start in midfield.

France know that victory is within their grasp.

Star Man – Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe was kept quiet for much of the game against England, although came to life on occasion to remind everyone of his quality. He is likely to have more of the ball here, but can he break down this solid defence?

Morocco Preview

FIFA Ranking: 22

Predicted Finish: Semi Finals

Reasons to be cheerful

     Have already taken down Belgium, Spain and Portugal at this tournament

     They’ve kept four clean sheets at this tournament

Reasons to be fearful

     Numerous fitness and injury concerns after gruelling game against Portugal

     Walid Cheddira suspended after being sent off in Quarter Finals 

Morocco have already been arguably the best story at this World Cup. 

In becoming the first African country to reach a World Cup Semi Final, they have not only achieved a remarkable feat, they have also won many fans along the way.

They haven’t exactly had it easy up until this point either. To earn a draw against Croatia before beating Belgium, Spain and Portugal has been nothing short of breath-taking.

You wonder what price they may have to pay because of that journey, however. There are several key injury concerns here, including Aguerd, who missed the Portugal win, and Saiss, who was taken off during that game.

Their system relies on a solid defence to press out from and, if they aren’t able to keep France at bay, they may be stretched too thin to counter as effectively as they have done.

We’ve written them off before, however, which hasn’t turned out too well.

Star Man – Youssef En-Nesyri

En-Nesyri scored with an astonishing header against Portugal in the Quarter Finals, outjumping the goalkeeper with an outrageous leap. He’ll need to be at his best against this France team, of course.