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France are eyeing a second consecutive World Cup final appearance while Morocco target another shock win
Morocco are dreaming of a shock place in the World Cup final as they take on holders France in the semi-finals on Wednesday night.
The African side beat Portugal 1-0 on Saturday to become the first team from their continent to reach the last four of a World Cup – and will be full of belief that they can force another upset.
France came through against England 2-1 on Saturday, with Olivier Giroud heading home the winner, and are the favourites to make a second consecutive World Cup final.
The winner of this clash will play the victor of Tuesday’s first semi-final, between Argentina and Croatia, in the final on Sunday.
Here’s all you need to know ahead of this semi-final clash.
When is France vs Morocco?
The game is scheduled to kick off at 7pm GMT (10pm local time) on Wednesday 14 December.
The semi-final will take place at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
How can I watch it?
In the UK, the match will air live on BBC 1, and it will stream live on the broadcaster’s BBC iPlayer app and website.
What is the team news?
France come into this match without any injury or suspension problems from Saturday’s 2-1 win against England. Theo Hernandez is expected to start at left-back again, in the absence of brother Lucas, while Jules Kounde continues to be given the nod at right-back ahead of Benjamin Pavard. Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe will be France’s main men in attack once more.
It is a different story for Morocco and there are injury headaches for coach Walid Regragui. Captain Romain Saiss had to be stretched off in the win against Portugal due to a hamstring injury and, despite insisting he will do everything possible to be fit, his availability is in serious doubt.
West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd missed the quarter-final win after sustaining an adductor injury against Spain but is pushing to start – and will partner Yahia Attiyat Allah or Jawad El Yamiq. Back-up striker Walid Cheddira is suspended after his red card on Saturday, yet Hakim Ziyech should be fine to start.
Predicted line-ups
France: Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
Morocco: Bono; Hakimi, El Yamiq, Aguerd, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
Odds
France – 8/15
Morocco – 13/2
Draw (after 90 minutes only) – 29/10
Prediction
France, given their pedigree and array of stars, are the favourites here – but so were Spain and Portugal. Morocco have been the undeniable fairytale story in Qatar, becoming the first African team to reach the final four, and one thing their squad won’t be short of is belief. Morocco will fight till the end, but France should come out on top. Narrowly. France 1-0 Morocco (aet)
