2022 World Cup Semifinals: France vs. Morocco Preview, Odds, Prediction

France and Morocco clash in the World Cup semis, as one pretty unexpected matchup. The Gauls were projected to reach here, despite a bit tougher schedule, but we are more than sure that Morocco wasn’t predicted to reach the semis in the wildest of guesses. These two teams have an interesting history, which includes on and off-field factors. The bond between France and Morocco is way stronger than among other nations, and that’s what spices up the situation even more.

Preview

France (-195) cruised past England in the quarterfinals after their world display in the tournament. By far, this was France’s weakest performance, and we can say that luck was on their side as well. Harry Kane missed a penalty to level the score, which is something that rarely happens to Tottenham’s No.10.

Everlasting Olivier Giroud was on the spot to break the tie and move the Gauls to 2-1, in the moments when England controlled the pace and the situation on the field. Mbappe was stopped, but other players like Giroud and Griezmann created trouble in the midfield and upfront.

France allowed a lot of chances to the rivals, especially making fouls near the box. The French defense isn’t as good as other parts of the teams, and that’s why they had only one clean sheet in the past 10 games.

Morocco (+700) didn’t lose the past 12 games; the last one was in early June this season. Right now, Morocco won the recent four and the main reason for that is a rigid defense that has nine clean sheets over those above-mentioned dozen events.

Their football is dull and unattractive, which we need to admit. Morocco’s matches are not for watching as they simply don’t want to risk anything and take over the initiative or attack. They lay back and wait for the counter-attack or penalties because the chances for their win there are much higher.

We saw them against both Spain and Portugal packing the box and defending with 10 players, and as said, that isn’t appealing, yet the results are positive and there is no place for critics here.

Latest News

The French side has no injured or suspended players, and they are ready to take on their rivals.

Cheddira won’t play due to a red card received against Portugal in the finish, yet he isn’t a crucial player for Morocco therefore, that won’t be a handicap for the African team.

Head to Head Games

The last direct meeting between these teams was in 2007, a friendly international, and there was a draw, 2-2. France met with Morocco in 1999, also a friend, and they won 1-0.

Prediction

Morocco is the first African nation to reach the semis, a historic achievement. But let’s be realistic, they had more luck than quality, especially against Portugal, who didn’t use its chances. France didn’t amaze anyone against England, but still, they have the ability to score at any given moment of the game. France will win, and we expect them to do it much easier than anyone thinks. Even with covering a 1.5-goal spread.

Pick: France wins -195