Defending champions France take on Morocco in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday. The team led by Didier Deschamps has overcome rumors of discord, an abundance of injuries, and the curse of being the current winners to advance to the final four, surviving a huge scare from a determined England in the quarterfinals. Morocco, who manager Walid Regragui referred to as “the team that everyone loves in this World Cup,” added Portugal to the list of European opponents they have defeated in Qatar with a masterfully orchestrated 1-0 victory.
France team news
During Saturday’s tight victory over England at the Al Bayt Stadium, Deschamps just made one substitution. It’s unlikely that either the World Cup-winning manager or the World Cup-winning player will alter his starting lineup, which has avoided injury and suspension.
Morocco team news
Going into this historic semi-final, Morocco is still suffering from injuries. While Romain Saiss miraculously made it through 50 minutes before being taken away on a stretcher, Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd were also eliminated before reaching the quarterfinal. Mazraoui was out due to an illness and hip discomfort, but the Bayern Munich fullback should return by Wednesday night. Yahya Attiyat Allah was excellent in his place.
Aguerd is also aiming to recover from a groin injury. The West Ham center-back allegedly wanted to play against Portugal but was ruled unfit, a determination that might change after four more days of recuperation. After receiving two yellow cards in stoppage time, Walid Cheddira will not play.
France vs Morocco World Cup score prediction
In response to Morocco’s victory over Portugal, Regragui said, “When you watch Rocky, you want to support Rocky Balboa, and I think we are the Rocky of this World Cup.” “I believe the world is with Morocco right now.” When the Atlas Lions face football’s Apollo Creed, the analogy could be a little too appropriate. Rocky is renowned for winning the crowd over by deflecting the world champion’s blows, but he loses the bout by a narrow margin.
Prediction: France 1-0 Morocco
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