On Wednesday night, world champions France face a potentially tough semi-final clash against Morocco at the 2022 World Cup.
France form guideLes Bleus were made to work for a 2-1 win over England in the quarter-finals. Only a late penalty kick miss from England captain Harry Kane stopped the game from going into extra time.
In truth, the world champions have developed a knack for grinding out wins at World Cups, as they have won eight of their last nine matches in the competition.
A big factor in the World Cup wins has been France’s attacking play, as Didier Deschamps's team has now scored at least two goals in five of their last six matches in the competition.
While superstar Kylian Mbappe has taken a lot of the limelight, veteran forward and now his country's top goalscorer Olivier Giroud has also scored four times in his last four World Cup appearances, including the winner last time out.
Morocco form guideThe Lions of Atlas have been sensational in Qatar 2022. Walid Regragui’s team made history last time out with a 1-0 win over Portugal, as they became the first African nation ever to make it to the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Morocco have built their progress at World Cup 2022 on solid defensive performances, as they have conceded just one goal in their five matches in the World Cup. That defensive record will be severely put to the test by the prolific world champions.
The win over Portugal means that Morocco are now unbeaten in their last ten games in all competitions.
Latest team newsFrance has no fresh injury concerns heading into this last four encounter. Morocco is without West Ham centre-back Nayef Aguerd through injury, while fellow defender Roman Saiss also looks set to miss out through injury. Walid Cheddira is ruled out through suspension after his red card against Portugal last time out. Noussair Mazraoui and Abdelhamid Sabiri are fitness doubts.
What am I backing?I am reluctant to back against Morocco after their heroics so far in Qatar. However, they are facing the world champions, a team that can win when they are not at their best. I believe this will be a game too far for Morocco, and Les Bleus will record a potentially hard-fought victory in a low-scoring game.
