Morocco vs France

Reigning World Cup champs France square off with surprise package Morocco in a mouthwatering World Cup semifinal in Qatar.

[they’ve beaten Spain and Portugal in the knockout rounds](https://soccer.nbcsports.com/2022/12/11/morocco-vs-portugal-video-highlights-recap-reaction/), showcasing incredible grit, energy and quality as they are the total team unit. As for Morocco, their goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has been exceptional, so too has captain Romain Saiss (who is nursing a hamstring injury) while Achraf Hakimi, Sofiane Boufal and Hakim Ziyech give them real quality in wide areas. The only issue is that France has yet to keep a clean sheet and they do look vulnerable on the counter. They have made history as the first-ever African side to reach the final four and Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann are all stepping up at different moments and the French are gathering momentum. [squeaked past England in the quarterfinals](https://soccer.nbcsports.com/2022/12/11/england-vs-france-recap-final-score-video-highlights-harry-kane-penalty-video-goals/), as Les Bleus have looked shaky defensively but have so much quality in attack.

Defending champions against underdog challenger, a true David vs. Golaith meeting as France, the 2018 title holders take on Morocco, the first African ...

France are a different breed. This second semifinal clash will be played at the Al Bayt Stadium. The only way this pair of bets fails to return a profit is if either France fail to win in 90 minutes, or they concede more than once to Morocco. Most recently, we saw France coast through the first half against England, conceding long stretches of harmless possession. Morocco have swung slightly towards the first half as they defend with ferocity after the break, but they've also benefitted from opposing teams failing to convert chances. At the risk of doubting Morocco a third time, it's tough to imagine the Atlas Lions advancing to the World Cup final. It will take a Herculean effort to get past Morocco's organization and structure, but this is no green squad France possess. Therefore, we're no longer doubting the ability of this quasi-home team to perform. No consecutive World Cup finals in history have ever featured the same two teams. The next closest player on the expected assists chart is Jamal Musiala at 1.86. France, for all their offensive firepower, still can't overwhelm the organization of Morocco's defense which swings the under in heavy favor. Morocco sport a patchwork squad, beset with injuries, but the Atlas Lions have banded together to sport exceptional and surprising depth.

Morocco are up against France in the country's first World Cup semi-final on Wednesday evening. Walid Regragui oversaw a feat no other African nation has ...

[Kylian Mbappe](https://www.90min.com/players/kylian-mbappe) on Wednesday night. [Spain](https://www.90min.com/world-cup/spain) manager Luis Enrique couldn't remember the name of the Moroccan midfielder but tentatively admitted: "I was pleasantly surprised by the number eight." Enrique added: "But this boy hasn't stopped running. CB: Jawad El Yamiq - Regragui was forced to change half of his first-choice back-four for the quarter-final. “It’s no miracle.” [World Cup](https://www.90min.com/world-cup)

Dearborn is hosting a watch party in the 1200-seat theater of its civic center for the World Cup match Wednesday afternoon between Morocco and France as ...

[bigger tree ](https://www.instagram.com/p/ClMPTE0gIZd/)and expanding the ceremonies. ... Dearborn will be the city that provides valuable activities and memorable experiences for our families throughout the year!" The team's Islamic prayers on the field and waving of the Palestinian flags resonated with many. "We needed to bring cheer and celebration back to our Christmas tree lighting ceremony. At Haraz Coffee House Saturday on Rotunda in Dearborn, Moroccan food was featured on the menu as Morocco played Portugal. "Dearborn is celebrating the World Cup!" This World Cup is the first time an Arab nation, Qatar, has hosted the global soccer tournament. He took office in January. "Join us this Wednesday for the Morocco vs. The city also has a high percentage of immigrants and a global presence as the headquarters of Ford Motor Co, which translates into enthusiasm for the World Cup. ['Carlos & Shawn': Will Detroit Lions joy last? for the 2 p.m.

We're on to the second day of the quarterfinals with Morocco facing Portugal and England taking on France.

And there were four. With Argentina and Croatia in, Morocco and France rounded out the semifinals bracket. Here's the latest from Qatar.

[Aurelien Tchouameni](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/265919/Aurélien-Tchouaméni)'s powerful strike in the 17th minute gave France the lead, but [Olivier Giroud](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/88965/Olivier-Giroud) scored what proved to be a decisive header in the 78th minute -- served on a platter by [Antoine Griezmann](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/140416/Antoine-Griezmann). [Kylian Mbappe](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/231388/Kylian-Mbappé) couldn't add to his tally of five goals, but he remains in the lead to win the Golden Boot. [England](/soccer/team?id=448)'s World Cup hopes alive, star forward [Harry Kane](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/142200/Harry-Kane) -- one the world's best penalty takers -- was also on the verge of making Three Lions history. [FIFA opened a disciplinary case against Argentina](/soccer/argentina-arg/story/4830244/fifa-charges-argentina-for-disorder-during-netherlands-quarterfinal)for their actions during their contentious World Cup quarterfinal win against the Netherlands. [American soccer writer Grant Wahl was honored with a tribute from FIFA](/sports/soccer/story/_/id/35225809/memorial-grant-wahl-set-england-france-world-cup-match)on the desk where he was due to work Saturday at the World Cup quarterfinal match between France and England. If this is the last we see of one of history's great players on this stage, then [it was a very subdued way to bow out](/soccer/portugal-por/story/4830300/in-his-likely-world-cup-curtain-call-cristiano-ronaldos-subdued-appearance-not-enough-for-portugal). [Morocco](/soccer/team?id=2869) have done at this edition of the World Cup is nothing short of remarkable. And they've done it the hard way, with wins over heavyweights Belgium, [Spain](/soccer/team?id=164) and Portugal. Instead, Kane sailed the ball from the spot over French keeper [Hugo Lloris](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/43372/Hugo-Lloris)' net. They'll meet defending champions [France](/soccer/team?id=478), who outlasted [England](/soccer/team?id=448) in the other quarterfinal match. Bowing out to the title holders is nothing to be ashamed of, but this England side had the talent and tools to win it all in Qatar. After Saturday's matches, we have two full days off before the first semifinal game (Argentina-Croatia) kicks off on Tuesday, with the second tilt (France-Morocco) on Wednesday.