World Cup 2022 | France v Morocco preview

France v Morocco preview

France v Morocco World Cup information – the fixtures, outcomes, group information and odds

France reached their seventh World Cup semi-final with a dramatic 2-1 victory over England on Saturday. Aurelien Tchouameni put France into the lead earlier than Harry Kane levelled from the spot.

Olivier Giroud sealed the deal for ‘Les Bleus’ 12 minutes from time, however there was nonetheless drama. A Theo Hernandez problem on Mason Mount led to a VAR assessment and a second England spot kick, however this time, Kane blazed it over the bar.

Morocco have made historical past at this match by turning into the primary African nation to achieve a World Cup semi-final, however they received’t need their journey to finish right here.

‘The Atlas Lions’ quarter-final with Portugal was shut fought, however Youssef En-Nesyri’s first-half header was sufficient to ebook their spot within the final 4. They did have Walid Cheddira sent-off in stoppage time however held on to document a well-known success.

When is France v Morocco on the 2022 World Cup?

World champions France face Morocco at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on Wednesday, 14th December. Kick-off is at 19:00 GMT.

France haven’t misplaced to Morocco in eight earlier matches (W6 D2), from friendlies to Hassan II Tournaments.

The perimeters final confronted one another in a pleasant in 2007 that noticed the sport finish in a 2-2 draw. The assembly previous to that was a 5-1 win for France in 2000 when Didier Deschamps got here on as an alternative.

Try our in-depth take a look at the France nationwide group

What are the chances on France v Morocco on the 2022 World Cup?

France are the odds-on favourites to achieve consecutive World Cup finals, whereas Morocco are 13/2 to trigger an upset. The match to be degree after 90 minutes is 14/5.

‘The Atlas Lions’ are unbeaten of their final six World Cup matches (W3 D3) and have saved 4 clear sheets at this match. Beneath 1.5 targets in regular time is 7/4, whereas it’s 15/4 they handle to close out the world champions.

Kylian Mbappe was saved quiet within the quarter-final with England, however he nonetheless leads the race for the Golden Boot. We’ve obtained Enhanced Odds on Mbappe to attain first at 4/1 (was 3/1).

Morocco’s quarter-final hero Youssef En-Nesyri additionally options in our Enhanced Odds, the place you may get 6/1 (was 9/2) on the Sevilla ahead to attain at any time in 90 minutes. No participant has scored extra World Cup targets for Morocco than En-Nesyri (3).

One other participant who has starred for France is Antoine Griezmann. He recorded each assists of their 2-1 win over England, taking him to eight purpose involvements in as many World Cup appearances (3 targets, 5 assists). The Atletico Madrid ahead is 15/8 to set-up a team-mate.

Newest odds for France v Morocco

What’s the newest France v Morocco group information and damage information?

Didier Deschamps and France haven’t any new damage considerations or suspensions to take care of forward of this semi-final conflict. Theo Hernandez seems to be set to proceed at left-back within the absence of his brother Lucas, with Jules Kounde prone to get the nod at right-back as soon as extra.

Issues aren’t going to be as simple for Walid Regragui, who has a number of choice complications to cope with. West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd missed their quarter-final victory and is in a race to beat an adductor damage.

Fellow centre again Romain Saiss was stretchered off in opposition to Portugal with an ongoing hamstring damage, leaving Morocco doubtlessly brief in that place. In the meantime, ahead Walid Cheddira is suspended.

Who’re France and Morocco’s key gamers?

Kylian Mbappe has been the star for France through the World Cup up to now. His 5 targets see him main the race for the Golden Boot, which he’s odds-on to win. Plus, he’s EVS to win the Golden Ball accolade.

Olivier Giroud leads the road effectively and overtook Thierry Henry as France’s main goalscorer earlier within the match, whereas Antoine Griezmann is given the licence to roam, pulling the strings from deeper positions.

Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat has earned loads of plaudits for his combative performances. The tough-tackling midfielder protects his again 4, a part of the rationale an opposition participant is but to attain at this World Cup.

In purpose, Yassine Bounou has saved 4 clear sheets, making 14 saves. His penalty heroics helped them see off Spain within the last-16. Amrabat and Bounou are each within the working for the Golden Ball.

What are the chances on France or Morocco to win the 2022 World Cup?

France are 11/10 favourites to win the World Cup and defend the trophy they received in Russia 4 years in the past. ‘Les Bleus’ have received every of their final three World Cup semi-finals (1998, 2006 & 2018).

Morocco might make much more historical past in the event that they beat France and attain the ultimate. It’s 8/1 that Walid Regragui’s facet go all the best way and elevate the trophy in Lusail on Sunday.

Who’re the managers of France and Morocco?

Didier Deschamps had an illustrious profession as a participant and was capped 103 instances for France. The success has adopted him into administration, since he took over because the nationwide group’s head coach in 2012.

The progress below Deschamps is obvious to see. 1 / 4-final on the 2014 World Cup was adopted by the Euro 2016 last. Then, they went all the best way to win the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Extra glory has adopted with France lifting the 2020-21 Nations League, beating Spain 2-1 within the last. Now, he leads his nation into one other World Cup semi-final.

Walid Regragui has solely been in command of Morocco for 3 months, taking on from Vahid Halilhodzic on the finish of August. And what an unbelievable run they’ve been on!

They got here into the World Cup with simply three friendlies below Regragui (W2 D1) and have overwhelmed giants to achieve the final 4. In eight video games with the previous right-back on the helm, they’ve but to concede a purpose from an opposition participant, protecting seven clear sheets. He’s continued to maintain them strong on the again, but he’s been in a position to unlock some aptitude with Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal.