France vs Morocco: 2022 World Cup, Semi-Final Match Preview, and Dream11 Predictions

France vs Morocco is next as France face their former colony Morocco in a World Cup semi-final with an extra edge on Wednesday evening.

Match Details:

• Location: Al Kohr, Qatar
• Stadium: Al Bayt Stadium
• Date: Wednesday 15 December
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 AM IST
• Watch: Sports 18/HD, Jio Cinema App

France vs Morocco: Match Preview:

Defending champions against underdog challenger, a true David vs. Goliath meeting as France, the 2018 title holders take on Morocco, the first African nation to ever reach the World Cup semifinals.

Les Bleus managed to squeak by a tough challenge from England thanks to Harry Kane's late missed penalty, but they'll have a very different challenge on their hands up next.

Morocco sport a patchwork squad, beset with injuries, but the Atlas Lions have banded together to sport exceptional and surprising depth. They are boosted by a quasi-home field advantage, as their fans have flocked to Qatar in droves to create a stunning atmosphere.

Will France move to the precipice of a World Cup double, or will Morocco graduate from history-maker to true title contender?

Team News:

France:

Deschamps only made one substitution during France's narrow triumph against England at the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday. It's unlikely the World Cup-winning manager and player will make any changes from his starting XI which has escaped injury and suspension.

Morocco:

Morocco are walking wounded going into this historic semi-final. Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd both missed out on the quarter-final while Romain Saiss somehow managed to soldier through 50 minutes before he was stretchered off.

A combination of illness and a discomfort with his hip sidelined Mazraoui but the Bayern Munich fullback could recover by Wednesday night - although, Yahya Attiyat Allah shone as his replacement.

Aguerd is also gunning for a return from a groin problem. The West Ham centre-back reportedly wanted to feature against Portugal but wasn't deemed fit enough - a diagnosis which may change with another four days of rest under his belt.

Walid Cheddira will not feature after collecting a pair of yellow cards in stoppage time.

France vs Morocco: Head to Head:

There have been 11 meetings between the two nations. France have won seven of those games while Morocco have won just once.

There have been three draws between the two sides, including their most recent matchup which ended 2-2.

France are undefeated in their last 10 games against the Atlas Lions, a run dating back to 1966.

Morocco have the best defensive record in the World Cup so far, with just one goal conceded in their five games.

Predicted Line-ups:

France Starting 11 (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud.
Bench: Mandanda, Areola, Disasi, Pavard, Saliba, Konate, Guendouzi, Veretout, Camavinga, Y Fofana, Kolo Muani, Coman, Thuram.

Morocco Starting 11 (4-3-3): Bounou; Hakimi, El Yamiq, Benoun, Attiyat Allah; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal.
Bench: Munir, Tagnaouti, Dari, Jabrane, Chair, El Khannouss, Sabiri, Abde, Aboukhlal, Hamdallah, Mazraoui, Aguerd.

FRA vs MOR: Dream11 Predictions:

For more France vs Morocco news, follow Sportz Point.