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France and Morocco faced off on the evening of December 14th, 2022, in a World Cup semi-final in Qatar. The winner would go on to meet Argentina in what promised to be an epic final. It was Les Bleus who won 2-0, thanks to goals from Théo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani.
Therefore, Morocco will be out for revenge when these two sides reconvene at Boston's Gillette Stadium on Thursday evening.
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France v Morocco: Predictions
France to qualify: 1/4 (bet365)
Over 2.5 Goals: 10/11 (bet365)
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): 19/20 (bet365)
Mbappé to score or assist: 4/7 (bet365)
Odds correct at the time of publication, but subject to change.
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France to continue their journey
France found the going tough in the previous round. Against Paraguay, Didier Deschamps' men managed to keep their cool and nick a goal late on. The result? A scrappy match with lots of fouls and little football, but a hard-fought win for Les Bleus that enables them to take on Morocco this Thursday.
Meanwhile, Morocco once again find themselves competing in the latter stages of a World Cup. After becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals in 2022, the Moroccans could repeat the feat – or perhaps go even further. After their controversial Africa Cup of Nations triumph, a strong World Cup performance would cap off an exceptional year for the Atlas Lions.
But France are undoubtedly the favourites. Les Blues have been impressive since the start of the tournament. They defeated Senegal (3-1) in their opener, before comfortably sweeping aside Iraq (3-0) and Norway (4-1). A routine 3-0 victory over Sweden then followed, before they dug deep to eliminate Paraguay (1-0) at the last sixteen stage.
With a formidable attack featuring Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, the French know they're capable of scoring at any moment. Morocco have already conceded four goals at this World Cup, including two against Central American minnows Haiti. They’ll need to be defensively solid if they want to progress. Will they manage it?
Prediction: France to qualify: 1/4 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if France progress to the semi-finals, regardless if the match ends after 90 minutes, proceeds to extra time, or if the result is determined by a penalty shootout.
Goals galore
Should we expect a high-scoring game? Let’s take a closer look at the stats.
France have scored 14 goals since the start of the tournament, an average of 2.8 per game. Aside from their meeting with Paraguay, Les Bleus have scored at least three goals in every match.
Morocco took a while to get going. They scored just once against Brazil (1-1) and Scotland (1-0). They then put four past Haiti, scored one against the Netherlands and fired home another three in the meeting with Canada, totalling ten goals overall.
Therefore, four of France's opening five contests produced three or more goals, while the same can be said of Morocco's most recent outing against Canada.
Historically, matches between these two sides have produced plenty of goals. In 2000, six goals were scored in a 5-1 win for the French. Seven years later, another entertaining clash between this pair finished 2-2. And, as previously referenced, Les Bleus beat Morocco 2-0 to reach the last World Cup final in Qatar.
Therefore, dipping into the Over 2.5 Goals market feels like a sensible call.
Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals: 10/11 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet will land if at least three goals are scored during the regulation 90 minutes.
Will both teams get on the scoresheet?
I’m backing both teams to find the net. While France are favourites, Morocco aren’t just there to make up the numbers. As well as being exceptionally organised, the Moroccans have scored at least once in every match of the tournament. They netted four against a stubborn Haiti outfit, before putting three past co-hosts Canada.
Although France have kept clean sheets in each of their last two games, their defence has shown some weaknesses. They look particularly vulnerable on the left-hand side, where Théo Hernandez has been caught out on several occasions. Lucas Digne provided more assurance in this position after being selected to play against Paraguay, but the French generally look a little cagey at the back. Morocco will be hoping to exploit their opponent's defensive fragility.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score (BTTS): 19/20 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if both France and Morocco score during the regulation 90 minutes, regardless of the final result.
Mbappé asserts his influence, again
Three players have scored seven goals at this World Cup: Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman has been outstanding at this tournament and has silenced many of his critics. A petition has even been launched back home, asking for him to forgive the French public for questioning his capabilities in the lead-up to the tournament.
Although currently performing at an exceptional level, Mbappé knows his teammates have helped him to shine. Just look at Michael Olise’s stats. The Bayern player has already provided five assists in this tournament, an average of one per match. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembélé set up Mbappé to score one of his two goals against Iraq, before repeating this feat in the Round of 32 meeting with Sweden. The Real Madrid star has returned the favour, assisting both of Ousmane Dembélé's goals in the 4-1 triumph over Norway.
Therefore, expect Kylian Mbappé to once again make a decisive impact in the final third.
Prediction: Kylian Mbappé to score or assist: 4/7 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet will land if Kylian Mbappé scores or assists during the regulation 90 minutes.
France v Morocco: Odds
Match Result
To qualify
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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