France vs. Morocco: Les Bleus looking to reach back-to-back FIFA World Cup finals.

After a hard-fought victory over the Three Lions, Les Bleus take on the Atlas Lions for a highly coveted spot at the FIFA World Cup final in Qatar. France vs. Morocco kicks off at 20:00 (GMT+1) on Wednesday, December 14, at Al Bayt Stadium.

France reached back-to-back semi-finals at the FIFA World Cup, having knocked England out on Saturday night following a hard-fought 2-1 win. Kyle Walker had kept Kylian Mbappe relatively quiet except for one episode when speed was called upon, following the highly publicized subplot leading into Saturday’s quarterfinal. However, it was a remarkable 28-yard effort from Aurélien Tchouaméni (17’) that paved the way for a French lead. Harry Kane (54’ P.) had converted his first penalty for the leveler before firing the second well above the crossbar, leaving Olivier Giroud (78’) with the winner after a well-placed header. With only Morocco standing in their way, the defending champions now look to mount a proper title defense by reaching the final at the World Cup once again, having defeated Croatia 4-2 last time out in Russia. Didier Deschamps admitted his side were "lucky" against England after giving away two penalties but remains optimistic heading into Wednesday’s semi-final following favorable history. France [WWLWW] have won their last three World Cup matches at this stage in 2018, 2006, and 1998, going on to become champions on two occasions, and have never lost to Morocco [3W, 2D, & 0L] in their previous five meetings. In addition, France have alternated between a win and a loss in their last six meetings with African nations at the World Cup, losing to Tunisia 1-0 on Match Day 3. If the trend is anything to go by, then Deschamps will be hoping for a win when he lays out the 4—2—3—1 with Olivier Giroud in attack. Mbappe [5 goals] remains the top scorer at the World Cup in Qatar, with Giroud and Lionel Messi coming in behind with 4 goals each.

Morocco became the first African country to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after a towering header from Youssef En-Nesyri (42’) saw them knock Portugal and a teary Cristiano Ronaldo out of the World Cup. "What's important for future generations is we've shown that it is possible for an African team to get to the semi-finals of the World Cup," Walid Regragui said after the huge upset. A herculean task now awaits Morocco, but Regragui believes his side can become the first African country to reach a FIFA World Cup final. "Even the final, why not?" he quipped. The Atlas Lions [DWWDW] are yet to concede from an opposing shirt, having shipped only an own goal against Canada. A 4—3—3 with Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal, and Hakim Ziyech in attack is expected against France. The victor will face either Croatia or Argentina at the FIFA World Cup final in Qatar, slated for the 18th of December at the 80,000-capacity Lusail Stadium. Walid Cheddira [red card] is suspended for Wednesday’s clash.