France vs Morocco: World Cup semi-final team news and prediction
France and Morocco face off in the second semi final in Qatar. France beat England 2-1 in a tight game to reach this stage, whereas Morocco stunned Portugal 1-0 to become the first African side to reach the semi final of a World Cup, a historic moment for the continent.
Ahead of this one, we provide the necessary pre-match information, including where to watch the World Cup semi-final, team news and probable XIs...
When is kick off?
Wednesday 14th December, 19:00 GMT
Where is the match?
Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor (Qatar)
What TV channel is it on?
BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Route to the semi final
After making a convincing start to their group, beating Australia and Denmark, France were beaten by Tunisia on the matchweek, but still managed to top Group D on goal difference. This set up a last-16 tie with Poland, which they won 3-1. They will be hoping to become only the third nation to defend a World Cup title, after winning their second in 2018. They have also reached their third major tournament semi-final since 2016, having raced this stage at EURO 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.
Morocco were unbeaten on their route to the quarter-finals, only conceding one goal along the way, the fewest of any team in Qatar. They topped Group F ahead of Croatia, winning twice, including a 2-0 win over Belgium, and drawing the other. In the last-16 they took Spain the whole way without conceding, including in the penalty shootout, which they won 3-0. Their win over Portugal in the quarter-final meant they became the first African side to reach a semi-final.
Team news
France have the luxury of a full squad to select from, so they are unlikely to make any changes to the XI that started the win over England.
Conversely, Morocco are without starting centre-back pair Nayef Aguerd and Romain Saiss due to injury, while striker Walid Cheddira is suspended after his dismissal against Portugal. Noussair Mazraoui and Abdelhamid Sabiri will both be assessed.
Probable XIs
France (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, Hernandez; Rabiot, Tchouameni; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
Morocco (4-3-3): Bounou; Hakimi, Yamiq, Dari, Attiat-Allah; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
Key battle: Theo Hernandez vs Achraf Hakimi
The left hand side has been a key area of success for the French, but with Achraf Hakimi on that flank, Theo Hernandez will face a tough opponent. The AC Milan full-back has two assists in Qatar to Hakimi’s one, and has over three times the number of key passes (11) compared to his Moroccan counterpart (3).
However, in defence, Morocco have been solid, and Hakimi’s stats in these areas prevail. He has made 10 more tackles than Hernandez (9), as well as more interceptions (7) than the Frenchman (3). Hernandez has had less defending to do thanks to the quality in the French side, but they will be pushed hard by a Moroccan backline that is yet to concede to an opposition player in the tournament.
Score Prediction: France 1-0 Morocco
