In 2022, it was a 2-0 win for France vs Morocco in the semifinals of the World Cup. We’re getting a rematch in this year’s World Cup, and that rematch is coming one round earlier, in the quarterfinals France and Morocco are two of international football’s most accomplished teams over the last five years and now they face off in one of the most anticipated matches of this tournament.
France vs Morocco (Thursday July 9th in Boston)
Steen Kirby: Paraguay were the only team that could slow France down this tournament, the first to hold them under three goals. That’s a blueprint for Morocco, who likely won’t dictate on the ball or launch waves of attacks, but rather try to limit their offensive opportunities and counterattack with venom. While Paraguay were quite limited offensively and played a chippy game in the heat, Morocco offers far more in transition, having most recently maximized their chances to beat Canada 3-0. Against two of the tournament’s stronger sides, Brazil and the Netherlands, it was a 1-1 draw both times for the Atlas Lions, perhaps showing how they will play against France.
Morocco has never beaten France, and the scoreline against Canada is a bit flattering. If Ismael Saibari is able to start, then there’s a chance at an upset, but ultimately France defend nearly as well as they attack, they are a complete team, and it’s hard to see them lose their focus and slip up here, there’s too much talent, if one player fails, another can step up. Prediction: France 2-0
Barry Dixon: Tournament favourites France head into this game also as favourites but are unlikely to have it all their own way at the Boston Stadium against Africa’s finest team. Morocco are full of confidence, having dispatched the Netherlands and co-hosts Canada so far in the knockout stages.
The French had been free-scoring up until they met Paraguay in their last game, and it took a second-half penalty from main man Kylian Mbappe to see off their stubborn opponents and set up a replay of the 2022 World Cup semifinal.
Both teams are on unbeaten runs heading into this game, with France winning 11 and drawing one of their last 12, whereas Morocco are 10 games into their streak, but this will be by far their toughest test.
Les Bleus will undoubtedly start with the devastating front three of Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele, with Bradley Barcola supporting. Real Madrid striker Mbappe is currently in a fascinating race for the Golden Boot with Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, and a goal in this game would also take him level with Messi on 20 goals in World Cup games.
The Atlas Lions, ranked seventh in the world and improving all the time, are sweating on the fitness of striker Ismael Saibari, who impressed during the group stage but was injured in the 3-0 victory over Canada. However, should he be missing, they will still have Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi, who scored the goals in their last win.
France vs Morocco has all the ingredients to be an exciting game and one which promises plenty of goalmouth action but France may just have a little too much firepower for their opponents. Both teams are on a historic of tournament games without defeat.
Prediction: France 3-2
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
