France v Morocco Predictions: History on the line for impressive Atlas Lions

Joe Crann

12 December 2022

This Moroccan team has already made history at this World Cup, so the underdog tag when they face the reigning champions in the semi-finals this week won’t phase them.

Very few people thought they would progress from the group stages, and even fewer believed they had what it takes to get through their Round of 16 and quarter-final clashes. However, they overcame multiple tough tasks and now look for a spot in the final. But they will have to keep Kylian Mbappé quiet if they’re going to get the job done.

The French have the experience and the nous, as well as some of the best players in the world, but the Atlas Lions aren’t short of a superstar or two, and you get the feeling that they would run through brick walls for manager, Walid Regragui.

Moroccan wall

After playing five World Cup 2022 games in Qatar, only one team has managed to score past Morocco – and that’s themselves.

Nayef Aguerd’s own goal against Canada is the only time that they have been breached, despite coming up against the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Cristiano Ronaldo, to name just a few star performers who have failed to cause an impact.

However, their defensive wall will face their biggest challenge yet in the semi-final. He goes by the name of Kylian Mbappé - undoubtedly one of the best players in the world right now, and the current top scorer in Doha with five goals.

With Antoine Griezmann enjoying another stellar tournament alongside him, and Olivier Giroud breaking records of his own, you wouldn’t bet against the French being the downfall of Regragui’s steadfast history-makers. But, 5.1 for a Moroccan clean sheet after 90 minutes doesn’t seem bad given recent history.

Africa unites

Morocco have created an incredible team spirit within their side - the aforementioned Regragui has brought together a team that previously felt a bit divided.

They have got players who were born all over the world in their ranks, but feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves as they try to cause an upset not just for Morocco, but also the Arab and African world.

No team from either global standpoint has ever reached this stage of a World Cup, and so the chance to make the final is the perfect incentive to put on another stellar defensive display.

Morocco are 4.4 to qualify – whether in 90 minutes, extra time or penalties – and, given that France have shipped at least one goal in all of their games, it’s not beyond the realms of doubt that a shock could be on the cards.

Too much quality?

That being said, on paper you have to say that Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus should have too much for their Moroccan counterparts. They have lost the likes of N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Karim Benzema and others before the tournament, yet here they are again – on the brink of another final.

There are eight Frenchmen ahead of the first Moroccan in the anytime goalscorer market and, after a tough fight, it may be that France simply prove too strong.