PREVIEW: FIFA World Cup Semifinal: FRA v MAR

Semi-Final

14 December 2022

Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

KO- 21:00 (SA Time)

Match Preview: 

Having pulled off some giant-killing acts at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Morocco comes into this second semi-final on the back of good momentum to stand up to the defending champions France. 

The first ever African team to reach the last four at the global showpiece, the Atlas Lions are 90 minutes away from reaching a final, where they could then deliver on the great Pele’s dream of seeing an African team lifting the World Cup title.

Convincing wins against Belgium, Spain, and Portugal – all teams highly ranked and above them on the FIFA rankings – Walid Regragui has proven his side are capable of facing any opposition in this tournament. 

In five matches so far, Morocco have conceded only one goal – an own goal, which came during the group stages. 

Meanwhile, chasing their fourth World Cup final appearance in eight editions since 1998 when they lifted their maiden World Cup title, the French hold the advantage of experience in this semi-final clash. 

Having kept the bulk of the team that did duty and went on to lift the trophy in Russia 2018, Les Bleus know all too well what is required at this stage in getting the team over to Lusail Stadium to face Argentina on Sunday, 18 December. 

There’s also a big prize in waiting for former French national team captain, now turned head coach, Didier Deschamps of writing his name in history books by becoming only the second coach after Vittorio Pozzo to claim back-to-back World Cup triumphs.

France could also become only the third nation, after Italy in 1934 and 1938 and Brazil in 1958 and 1962, to lift the trophy in consecutive editions.

Team News: 

France

As the first team from the Arab region to have gone this far in the World Cup, it's no surprise that France come into this game with a lot to say about the crowd backing the Moroccans in Qatar. 

During the match day minus one press conference, Deschamps revealed that the players have been warned about the noise that awaits them. 

"They have huge, popular support – good for them. What I can tell you is that it's very noisy, I've heard it and my observers told me and repeated it to me,” he said.

“My players have been warned, it's part of the context, that's not what makes you score goals but knowing this beforehand is better, but good for them [Morocco].”

“Preparing for a match is also preparing [for the atmosphere] ... although it'll be on the pitch, there's also the environment, and my players know what's waiting for them."

French captain and number-one goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was also clear that this is not something they are taking lightly. 

"The additional thing is this hostile climate that will be in the stadium, which will be in Moroccan colours. We have to be ready for it, it will be noisy,” he added.

“We won't be able to hear each other, so in the preparation before the match and at half time we'll have to be very precise in our topics of conversation in terms of tactics and positioning."

Morocco 

Heading into this game, one of the interesting duels could be that of Paris Saint-German duo Achraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappe, with two players knowing each other very well. 

Despite the Atlas Lions’ defensive pairs doubtful through injuries, Regragui insisted that there’s no special plan for the French front pair of Olivier Giroud and Mbappe in this clash.

“I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter [Kylian] Mbappe. Unfortunately for us, there is more than just Kylian. France also has other good players. 

“[Antoine] Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines, and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect compliment to Mbappe on the other wing. 

“If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. Acraf Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.”

Players to watch 

Kylian Mbappe

Age: 23

He might not have scored in the previous game against England but Mbappe was still a huge influence. With five goals in this tournament so far, the 23-year-old is already ahead of some French legends such as Thierry Henry (6) and Zinedine Zidane (5) with his overall World Cup tally of 9 strikes.

He still has years ahead of him to match and possibly overtake Mirosalv Klose’s all-time record of 16 goals scored across four World Cup tournaments. 

Mbappe, who will celebrate his 24th birthday just two days after the World Cup final, is one player who can come up with something special against one of the best goalkeepers in this tournament – Yassine Bounou. 

Yassine Bounou

Age: 31

Born in Canada but moved to Morocco at the age of four, Morocco’s number-one cannot be compared to the other 13 players in this 26-man squad who were born outside the North African country. 

Unlike them, he grew up in the footballing structures of Morocco and is a proud product of current African champions Wydad Casablanca. 

The Sevilla shot-stopper has proven his quality in this tournament and remains a strong contender for the Golden Glove award.

Away from the super saves and great performance in the penalty shootout victory in the last 16 over Spain, Bono’s communication with arguably the best defense in Qatar has been key in their impressive record of having conceded only 11 shots on target in 510 minutes of football action.