19:00 Wednesday

Les Bleus rode their luck in their previous match against England but were able to secure a 2-1 victory that ultimately booked their place in the semifinals where they will take on surprise package Morocco. The Atlas Lions became the first ever African nation to reach this stage of the competition after defeating Portugal and they will be desperate to see this fairytale continue.

France vs Morocco Stats

  • In 90 minutes, Morocco have lost the corner count by an aggregate of 33-6 across their five matches at the World Cup
  • Morocco are committing an average of nearly 15 fouls per game, whereas France are committing an average of just 7.8
  • These two sides play with intensity and have made more tackles than any other teams in the tournament (98)

 

France vs Morocco Prediction: 

Betting Tip: France -4 corner handicap

Didier Deschamps felt that his side “got lucky” against England in the quarterfinals but even so, two goals, both assisted by Antoine Griezmann, was enough to break English hearts and book their place in the semi-final against Morocco.

The Atlas Lions have surprised everyone but they are more than deserving of their spot in the final four. Their tenacity, cohesion and willingness to put it all on the line has seen them suffocate their opponents and make life extremely difficult.

That’s what I'm expecting to happen here as well, but France will be another step-up in quality for Morocco. Walid Regragui’s side will once again sit and choose their moments to attack whilst ensuring that their defensive shape remains resolute. That tactic, however, has seen them lose the corner count 13-3 in their two knockout matches alone.

They concede plenty of corners due to their shape and the way their matches have unfolded. I think a similar pattern will unfold here and I don't think France will have it all their own way, but I believe Les Bleus will find joy getting down the flanks and they can be the next team to cover a corner handicap against the Moroccans.

Betting Tip: Morocco most booking points

It’s one of the most cliche phrases of all time but this one genuinely looks as though it’s the unstoppable force against the immovable object.

Morocco’s defending has truly been a sight to behold and that’s evident by the fact that in the five total games they have played in this tournament so far, they have conceded just a single goal. However, up against France that record looks heavily under threat and another battle looks likely.

These two sides have made more tackles than any other outfit in this competition and we could see plenty of hefty challenges given the significance of this clash. However, I think Morocco will be put in situations where they need to commit more fouls in order to prevent dangerous situations and they look good value for cards.

France’s opponents are averaging approximately two cards per game, but Morocco could be without a few key players here and players coming in, attempting to replicate that high intensity, could lead to mistimed challenges and I think the Atlas Lions look a good price at 4/5 to see the majority of the booking points awarded here.

France vs Morocco Results

Date Result Competition
16/11/2007 France 2-2 Morocco International Friendly
06/06/2000 Morocco 1-5 France Hassan II Tournament
20/01/1999 France 1-0 Morocco International Friendly

 

France vs Morocco Team News 

France:

  • France should have no fresh injury concerns coming into this game and are likely to start the same lineup as they did in their win over England

Morocco:

  • Nayef Aguerd is set to miss out after playing no part in the win over Portugal owing to an injury he sustained in the Round of 16
  • Walid Cheddira is suspended after he received a double yellow sending-off late on in the Portugal game
  • Romain Saiss had to come off early in the second half of that win because of a hamstring problem which he was carrying previously from the Spain game
  • Noussair Mazraoui is a doubt owing to a hip flexor injury which kept him out of the game on the weekend
  • Abdelhamid Sabiri is also a doubt, owing to a knock
  • Hakim Ziyech came off against Portugal with a knock, but that was likely a precautionary measure, so he should still start here

 

France vs Morocco Lineups

Predicted lineups are brought to you by WhoScored.com.

France

Lloris, Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, Hernandez, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud

Morocco

Bounouu, Hakimi, Yamiq, Dari, Attiat-Allah, Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah, Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal

France vs Morocco Score Prediction:

France 2-1 Morocco