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2022 FIFA World Cup
Semi-finals
France v Morocco
Al Bayt Stadium
Al Khor, Qatar
Wednesday, 14 December 2022
Kick-off is at 20h00
Morocco will be looking to set another new
World Cup record when they lock horns with defending champions France in the semi-finals on Wednesday, December 14.
The Atlas Lions became the first African team to reach the last four in the tournament's history when they beat Portugal 1-0 in the quarter-finals last weekend.
Walid Regragui's side went through the group stages unbeaten and have only conceded one goal in their five matches at the global showpiece, with Yassine Bounou the first African goalkeeper to keep three clean sheets in a single edition.
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Bounou was named man of the match against the Selecao after he pulled off crucial saves to deny Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo from taking the match into extra-time following Youssef En-Nesyri's 42nd-minute opener, which proved to be the winning goal.
Regragui likened Morocco's amazing run in Qatar to Rocky Balboa from the 'Rocky' movie franchise and claims their underdog status has drawn many fans to their corner.
"We are the Rocky Balboa of this World Cup," he declared. "We are the team that everyone loves in this World Cup because we are showing the world you can succeed even if you don't have as much talent and money.
"It is no miracle. Many of you will say it is, especially in Europe, but we have beaten Belgium, Spain and Portugal without conceding. We have made our people proud and our continent and so many people around, when you watch Rocky you want to support Rocky Balboa."
Les Bleus continued their title defence with a hard-fought 2-1 win over England in the last eight as Olivier Giroud (78') secured the victory after Harry Kane (54' PEN) had cancelled out Aurelien Tchouameni's 17th-minute opener.
Didier Deschamps' men rode their luck somewhat, having seen Kane fail to convert his second spot-kick six minutes from time, although the French gave a gutsy performance to set up a date with Morocco.
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"It's brilliant for the players to be in the last four again," Deschamps said. "We got a bit lucky although we gave away two penalties but we kept our lead with our hearts and our guts."
Deschamps has warned his players not to underestimate the North Africans, who have already claimed the big scalps of Belgium, Spain and Portugal in the tournament.
"Not many people expected them at this level, but they are there, and it's not a surprise. They've only conceded one goal in five games. They deserve to be there, it's logical." he told Telefoot.
Head-to-Head:
Matches - 4
France - 2
Morocco - 1
Draws - 1
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