France will face Morocco in the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after winning their intense clash in the quarterfinals with England.
France will start as favorites but Morocco are already quite used to being the underdogs after knocking out European opponents Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their impressive unbeaten run.
The eventual winners will face Argentina or Croatia in the final after the two-time champions booted the Netherlands on penalties and the 2018 finalists ousted title favorites Brazil.
Morocco will face France in the semifinals at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on Wednesday, December 14.
Key Points:
Morocco will become the first African team to play in a World Cup semifinal.
This semifinal match marks the first competitive meeting between the teams, but Morocco have never beaten France in seven previous friendly games since 1975.
Morocco spent a huge deal of energy in their win against Spain and Portugal in this World Cup, and with some players suffering injuries, the game on Wednesday will surely be a real test of their stamina and durability. Their match against Spain went to penalties while they endured a wild second half against Portugal.
Meanwhile, France has been able to take care of knockout games without any extra time and should be much fresher as they enter the semifinal.
France may have fewer injury issues and more attack weapons, but Morocco will have the crowd supporting them at the Al Bayt Stadium, encouraging them to pull off another upset.
The African side, the Atlas Lions, have become one of the best-supported teams in Qatar, and they will surely benefit from a huge backing on Wednesday as the first Arab team to reach the semifinals in World Cup history.
France squad
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda.
Defenders: Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane.
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Matteo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout.
Forwards: Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Randal Kolo Muani, Marcus Thuram.
Morocco squad
Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir El Kajoui, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti
Defenders: Anas Zniti, Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Ganza Ek Niyssaiyu, Romain Saiss, Achraf Dari, Badr Benoun, Yahia Attiyat Allah, Jawad El Yamiq, Samy Mmaee
Midfielders: Younes Belhanda, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Abdelhamid Sabiri, Ilias Chair, Selim Amallah, Yahya Jabrane, Amine Harit
Forwards: Hakim Ziyech, Munir El Haddadi, Zakaria Aboukhlal, Ayoub El Kaabi, Soufiane Rahimi, Sofiane Boufal, Youssef En-Nesyri, Ryan Mmaee, Abde Ezzalzouli.
The Semifinals
December 13 (Tue)
Argentina vs Croatia (3-0)
December 14 (Wed)
Morocco vs France
3rd/4th Place play-off
December 17 (Sat)
Croatia vs France/Morocco
Finals
December 18 (Sun)
Argentina vs France/Morocco
*Dates according to GMT timezone
No matter what happens in the semifinals, this World Cup will be historic!
- Lionel Messi may win his first World Cup
- France may be the first team in 60 years to retain the World Cup title
- Morocco may give Africa its first ever World Cup trophy
Who's your favorite team to win at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022?
Source: https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/qatar2022
