Favorites France, but Morocco wants another knockout blow

Morocco is hoping to bring another soccer giant to its knees when they play France in the World Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday. The match will have strong political and social undertones after Morocco humiliated Belgium, Portugal, and Spain in Qatar.

At the Al Bayt Stadium, Morocco, the first African team to advance to the round of four, will have roaring crowd support, and they will need every bit of it to defeat the reigning champions and continue their incredible journey.

There would be more pressure on the game against the erstwhile colonial power France. Moroccan successes in Qatar have given underserved immigrant communities in France a platform to celebrate their victories in the open.

With spectators encouraging players to keep going as they gave everything they had in every game, the North Africans have been riding the tide of support throughout the competition.

Morocco defeated the favored Spaniards and Portuguese to advance to the semifinals after taking first place in a group that also featured Croatia, Belgium, and Canada.

It remains to be seen, though, if they have enough to pull off an even larger surprise.

They both acknowledge that there is a huge quality gap between them.

Morocco fights against an expected onslaught from France.

With only one goal allowed in five games, an own goal against Canada, Morocco’s defense has been almost impenetrable.

“We are now becoming the team that everyone loves in this World Cup because we are showing that even if you don’t have as much talent and money then you can succeed,” said coach Walid Regragui.

“We have made our people and our continent so happy and proud. When you watch Rocky, you want to support Rocky Balboa and I think we are the Rocky of this World Cup. I think now the world is with Morocco.”

FITNESS

Nayef Aguerd, a crucial defender who is set to be absent again with a hamstring injury, and Romain Saiss, the other first-choice center back, are both questionable in terms of fitness.

The tournament’s top scorers Kylian Mbappe (five goals), Olivier Giroud (four goals), and Antoine Griezmann, who was in outstanding form in their quarterfinal victory over England, will present Morocco’s defense with its biggest test.

Intriguing rivalry also looms between teammates Mbappe and close friend Achraf Hakimi of Paris St. Germain. Mbappe was largely kept in check by England, although they frequently had to double-up on him down the left.

If they are kept busy, Morocco’s ability to utilise their right flank for counterattacks with a combination of Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech will be restricted.

Achraf Hakimi
Noussair Mazraoui
Sofyan Amrabat
Hakim Ziyech
Yassine Bounou

“It always comes down to a few details at this level,” said France coach Didier Deschamps. “Quality is not enough, but in this squad there is also mental strength, and a little experience.”

Fitness, technique, and tactics will always just tell half of the tale, as Deschamps acknowledged. To prevent “settling,” Morocco will need to dig very deep. Regardless of the outcome on Wednesday, they are already assured a hero’s welcome at home since they have made history for Africa and for themselves.

The failure to produce the anticipated victory, which would keep them on track to become the first nation to successfully defend the World Cup since Brazil 60 years ago, would be viewed as somewhat of a tragedy by France.

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