A missed Harry Kane penalty is a football collector’s item, and France were the “fortunate” receivers of such good fortune, according to Didier Deschamps, as the defending champions kept England from taking football home in a historic quarter-final. France won thanks to Aurelien Tchouameni’s thunderbolt and Olivier Giroud’s header either side of a precise Kane penalty.
Although Bleus supporters were both relieved and horrified when England captain blasted a second spot kick over the bar. France also had to deal with a late Marcus Rashford free kick that landed on the roof of the net, and referee Wilton Sampaio was embroiled in controversy as well.
Prediction
France wins 2-0, according to us. Morocco
Morocco’s excellent defensive tenacity was unaffected by their injury problems against Portugal, but any further fitness issues in the backline will very certainly mean the end of their clean sheet streak and, more likely, their inspiring World Cup run.
Regragui’s injured warriors may attempt to rush back for what may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and a France squad that has only required Mbappe to start World Cup matches will no likely take advantage, so a second consecutive final should be on the menu for Les Bleus.
France has won two games in a row and may have the most lethal offence of any side still in the competition. They are favourites for the game on Wednesday, but they must not overlook their opponents, who have previously outperformed expectations.
Team news
At this stage, Jules Kounde has solidly displaced Benjamin Pavard in the right-back position, while Theo Hernandez has done a good job in the absence of his ailing brother Lucas Hernandez, who suffered a ruptured ACL in their opening encounter against Australia.
France’s all-time leading male goalscorer, Olivier Giroud, may become the oldest player in history to score five goals in a single World Cup if he scores tonight, and while England kept Kylian Mbappe quiet, Les Bleus have already won all ten World Cup games in which the 23-year-old has started.
Meanwhile, Morocco forward Walid Cheddira was sent off twice in a row against Portugal and will be sidelined for the semi-final, although the 24-year-old was never expected to compete for a starting spot.
Aguerd, of West Ham United, missed the quarter-final triumph over Portugal owing to an adductor injury sustained against France in the last 16, but Regragui will go to great lengths to have him available after Romain Saiss had to be stretchered out on Saturday due to an ongoing hamstring issue.
lineup
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
Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- There have been eleven encounters between the two countries. France has won seven of the matches, while Morocco has only won one.
- There have been three draws between the two teams, the most recent of which concluded 2-2.
- France is unbeaten in their past ten meetings against the Atlas Lions, a streak that dates back to 1966.
- Morocco has the greatest defensive record in the World Cup so far, conceding only one goal in five games.
- Les Blues have gone six games without a clean sheet in all competitions.
- So far, Didier Deschamps’ team has scored 11 goals in the global extravaganza. Only England and Portugal have amassed more goals.
Betting Tips
France will be the winner is first tip.
Over/under 2.5 goals – Over 2.5 goals (With the exception of one encounter, France’s prior five have all produced more than 2.5 goals.)
Tip number three: Both teams should score: YES (Both clubs have struck the back of the goal in all but one of their last four games) (Both teams have found the back of the net in all but one of their past four games) (Both teams have scored in all but one of their last four meetings.)
Where to watch
- Jiocinema
- sports18
- 1 mtv hd
- sports18 khel