World Cup semi-final: France vs Morocco
If France weren’t at their best as they ended England’s World Cup dreams on Saturday, the side probably aren’t overly concerned.
Didier Deschamps’ team are favourites to lift the World Cup trophy on Sunday night; the French are currently 27/25 to triumph in the final. Bet on the World Cup here
It’s David vs Goliath stuff; France are two-time World Cup winners
Before that of course, they need to make it through Wednesday’s semi-final. Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann and a host of other established names take on Morocco at the Al Bayt Stadium.
On paper, it’s David vs Goliath stuff. France are two-time World Cup winners and the reigning champions; Morocco have an unexceptional history, though becoming the first African nation ever to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup is pretty impressive.
In fact, Walid Regragui’s men have done brilliantly to get this far, having already bested Portugal, Spain and Belgium. People have been writing them off since the start. But can the Atlas Lions maintain their remarkable run, with the stakes growing ever higher?
Captain Romain Saiss left the pitch on a stretcher in the quarter-final against Portugal, and it seems unlikely he’ll be fit to play – even if he’s said he will “give everything” to take part.
At least Yassine “Bono” Bounou remains fit; the Sevilla goalkeeper has been outstanding for his country, conceding just once since the tournament began (and that was an own goal).
Morocco’s progress has played out like a feelgood movie script
Even during a penalty shootout, Spain failed to find the net against him. So can the 31-year-old’s awesome form see him repel the likes of Mbappe and Giroud on big Wednesday – and take Morocco to within touching distance of the ultimate trophy?
Regragui has compared his side to Rocky Balboa in the much-loved movies. So can Morocco make their opponents look like Kentucky Fried Idiots on Wednesday?
It feels like a longshot – but everything about Morocco’s progress so far has played out like a feelgood movie script. Is a Hollywood style ending still to come? Officially, I don’t want to jinx anything so let’s duck trying to figure out the outcome (Unofficially, France are clearly beatable, and – just saying – Morocco are 3/1 to go through to the final).
Instead, I’ll take Youssef En-Nesyri to score for the Moroccans. He is 24/5 to score at any time, and a huge 11/1 to find the opener; he’s already scored against Canada and Portugal, the latter goal making him Morocco’s leading goalscorer of all time. The 25-year-old may just be able to grab more headlines against France this week…
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