France v Morocco World Cup predictions: Defending champions can show their class

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for France v Morocco in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.

Where to watch

BBC1, 7pm Wednesday

France v Morocco World Cup match predictions

France to win to nil
1pt 23-20 BoyleSports, Coral

Reigning world champions France found a way to win their quarter-final against England and Les Bleus should come up with the goods against a Morocco side who have been hit with injuries at the back.

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Match preview

France had not appeared in a World Cup final until 1998, but they will run out at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on Wednesday aiming to book a third final berth in six World Cups since that first global triumph in their own backyard.

Qatar 2022 has been a tournament full of surprises. Saudi Arabia produced a 22-1 upset to stun Argentina in the first round of group matches while France's semi-final opponents Morocco became the first African nation to reach the last four of a World Cup on Saturday.

Morocco's successes have been cleverly orchestrated by head coach Walid Regragui, who has squeezed the maximum potential from a talented group.

The Atlas Lions had their problems under previous manager Vahid Hailihodzic, but they have demonstrated tremendous spirit, quality and unity in Qatar and thoroughly deserve their place in the final four.

Regragui has favoured a counter-attacking strategy based on a deep lying defence. His team have had a minority share of possession in each of their five matches and commanded just 23 and 27 per cent of the ball in knockout matches against Spain and Portugal.

The strategy has been hugely effective but it has required Morocco's players to get through a mountain of work and some of the defenders have buckled under the physical strain.

Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd missed Saturday's 1-0 quarter-final victory over Portugal, while former Wolves centre-back Romain Saiss was forced off after 57 minutes.

With Aguerd and Saiss suffering from muscle strains, Regragui may be forced into deploying a second string central defensive pairing of Jawad El Yamiq and Achraf Dawi against France.

And given the probable changes it is more important than ever that the Atlas Lions' backline is well guarded meaning holding midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has a massive role to play.

Amrabat's energy, physicality and discipline have been key to Morocco's progression but even his efforts may not be enough to keep the French at bay.

France's early tournament successes were heavily influenced by Kylian Mbappe, who is sure to attract plenty of attention from Moroccan defenders.

Mbappe did not have his best game against England and may struggle to excel against a Morocco side content to defend in numbers and deny spaces in behind.

However, his sheer presence will create space and opportunities for others and Morocco's low block may not work as effectively against France, who have the option of simplifying their game.

While Spain and Portugal tried to play through Morocco's defensive line, France will not be afraid of putting balls into the box to utilise Olivier Giroud's aerial prowess.

Giroud took his tournament goal tally to four with the winner against England and he looks the man most likely to break Moroccan hearts.

France's ability to mix up their play should help them to find a way through and there may not be much of a Moroccan response.

The North Africans boast the best defensive record in the tournament (one goal conceded) but they may be required to chase the game and their dream run may meet its end in Al Khor.

Key stat

France have won eight of their last nine World Cup fixtures

Team news

France
Aurelien Tchouameni (calf) has returned to training but Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot (both illness) missed out and will need to prove their fitness.

Morocco
Walid Cheddira is suspended and Nayef Aguerd (adductor) and Romain Saiss (hamstring) are unlikely to play. Noussair Mazraoui (hip) has a better chance of recovering.

Probable teams

France (4-2-3-1) Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud.

Morocco (4-1-4-1) Bounou; Hakimi, El Yamiq, Dari, Mazraoui; Amrabat; Ziyech, Ounahi, Amallah, Boufal; En-Nesyri.

Inside info

France

Top scorer in probable team Olivier Giroud
Star player Kylian Mbappe
Penalty taker Antoine Griezmann
Assist ace Antoine Griezmann
Set-piece aerial threat Olivier Giroud
Card magnet Aurelien Tchouameni

Morocco

Top scorer in probable team Youssef En-Nesyri
Star player Achraf Hakimi
Penalty taker Sofiane Boufal
Assist ace Achraf Hakimi
Set-piece aerial threat Youssef En-Nesyri
Card magnet Sofyan Amrabat

France v Morocco Bet Builder

France to win in 90 minutes
Patience may be required but France should eventually find a breakthrough and there may not be much of a response from Morocco

Olivier Giroud to score anytime
Morocco are going to defend deep but they will have to deal with plenty of crosses into the box and could be punished by Giroud's aerial prowess

Antoine Griezmann to be shown a card
Griezmann was France's most creative player against England but he was also booked after persistent fouling and will be key to breaking up Moroccan counter-attacks.

Price guide 20-1

Match information

Stadium Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
Fifa rankings France 4, Morocco 22
Weather Clear, 22C

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