France – Morocco, unexpected poster of these semifinals of the 2022 World Cup, will be played this Wednesday evening at 20 at the Al Bayt stadium.
Few believed it yet… France, despite the wounds of Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante – The best of N’Golo Kante or even of Karim Benzemahe is the first defending champion to return to the semifinals since Brazil in 1998.
This may seem unexpected, but it is evidence of a collective united around its star Kylian Mbappeof his elders, such as Hugo Loris, Antoni Griezmann et Olivier Giroudand its young talents.
In the quarterfinals against England (2-1), the team of Didier Deschamps won by suffering, as often in 2018”.We never let go. (There is) this unity, this solidarity between us from the beginning“, observed the medium Adrian Rabiotabsent tonight against Morocco.
France, two times world champions (1998, 2018), has many other strengths besides courage: Mbappé’s offensive speed (5 goals), the dribbling ofOusmane DembeleGriezmann’s vision and Giroud’s goal (4 goals).
His weakness is still defensive, with lateral floatation Teo Hernandez et Jules Koundé.
In front of France, the surprising Moroccan team. The first African nation to reach the semi-finals, the Atlas Lions impress: first in group F without defeat, then back to back victories against Spain (0-0, 3 penalties to 0) and Portugal (1-0), two favourites.
All with a simple recipe: defensive solidity and solidarity at all times.
“We are not the most beautiful team to watch play, but we are the most beautiful for the heartenvy and even tactics“, savored the coach Walid Reragui.
Best defense of the World Cup (1 goal conceded) around his great goalkeeper Yassine BounouMorocco is more cautious up front, though Judge Ziech or Youssef En-Nesyri they are ready to strike.
And the Moroccan selection is brought by its ardent fans and the Arab world, for this first World Cup organized in the Middle East.
