FIFA World Cup: Morocco looking to make history in semifinal vs. France on December 14, 2022

Topics: TV Schedules, France, Morocco, FIFA World Cup

The history-making Atlas Lions face the defending champions in the penultimate stage, but can the North African side overcome Les Bleus? Here's a preview of this clash.

We are just one game away from the 2022 FIFA World Cup final! Defending champions France are preparing to take to the field on Tuesday, with the heavyweights facing none other than Morocco in a highly-anticipated battle at Al Bayt Stadium, as the winner of this tie will face Argentina in the ultimate fixture.

Les Bleus enter this fixture in tremendous form, having overcome England in the previous round, hence why many are hailing Mbappe and Co. as the favorites. Deschamps' men showed their brilliance in the last eight, beating the Three Lions 2-1 in a clinical performance from the title holders.

Despite all the hype surrounding the Kyle Walker vs. Kylian Mbappe battle, it was Antoine Griezmann who stole the show, with the Atletico Madrid ace grabbing two assists in that triumph, first teeing up Aurélien Tchouameni for the opener before assisting Olivier Giroud for the winning goal.

And there lies France's greatest strength. Despite boasting one of the tournament's star players, Deschamps can rely on several other members of his squad to deliver. In the round of 16 against Poland, Giroud netted his nation's opening goal and became Les Bleus' all-time leading scorer along the way. In the group stage, Kylian was wreaking havoc in the two games he played.

Nonetheless, there were signs for concern. Dayot Upamecano and Theo Hernandez were shaky at the back in the win over England, with the latter giving away a sloppy penalty in the final 10 minutes of the game, which Harry Kane failed to convert.

Additionally, Hugo Lloris doesn't always exhibit assurance in between the sticks. Regardless, the French will have one goal only and that will be to successfully defend their crown.

However, they must first reach the final. The European giants have gone on to progress to the final in their last three semifinal appearances, but against Morocco, the two-time champions will face a test like no other.

At the start of Qatar 2022, not many would have expected the Atlas Lions to make it out of the group stage, let alone win their group and make it all the way to the semifinals. The North African side had to overcome Belgium, Croatia, and Canada — and they pulled this off with flying colors, winning two and drawing once.

The knockout stage is where Morocco began grabbing the headlines. In the round of 16, Hakimi and Co. took on Spain, and despite being tipped to crash out, Walid Regragui's side did the impossible by beating La Furia Roja on penalties.

And in the quarterfinals, they went a step further, this time overcoming Portugal. The European heavyweights thrashed Switzerland 6-1 in the round of 16 and Morocco were, once again, tipped to struggle against Fernando Santos' men despite their brilliant defensive record.

And for the second time running, the African nation defied the odds, beating Cristiano and Co. 1-0 thanks to an outstanding Youssef En-Nesyri header. What was more impressive was the second-half onslaught Regragui's men weathered, with the Moroccans exhibiting exemplary resilience and character to make the semifinals.

But will their rock-solid defense and near-impenetrable low block be enough to make the final? No African country has ever reached this far in the FIFA World Cup and to make the ultimate fixture would be an unforgettable achievement. Do not miss their clash with France.

Team news

France: A virus has reportedly erupted in the French camp, with Upamecano and Rabiot reportedly suffering flu-like symptoms, thus making the pair a doubt. If they miss out, then Konate and Fofana will be ready to deputize. Elsewhere, Deschamps is destined to name an identical starting eleven, with Mbappe, Dembele, and Giroud leading the front line while Griezmann continues in his new midfield role.

Morocco: The Atlas Lions are dealing with several issues, with Saiss being stretchered off the pitch in the victory over Portugal due to a hamstring injury. Walid Cheddira was sent off in the quarterfinal and is thus suspended for this tie while Aguerd is facing a race against time to overcome his adductor issue. Mazraoui is also a doubt but Hakim Ziyech should be fine for this tie despite coming off in the previous match.

Key stats

France have won eight of their last nine FIFA World Cup matches.
Morocco are yet to lose a game in this tournament.
Additionally, the Atlas Lions have not conceded to an opponent, with the one goal they have let in coming through a Nayef Aguerd own goal.
Regragui's men have kept a clean sheet in all but one of their five Qatar 2022 fixtures.
Les Blues have lost only once against this North African nation, winning seven of their 11 previous encounters (D3).
Olivier Giroud is one goal away from becoming the oldest player in history to score five times in a single FIFA World Cup campaign.