There’s only one game today, but it’s a big one.France and Morocco renew their World Cup rivalry in the opening game of the quarterfinals, four years after they met in the semifinals.
France has played five games this tournament — and won all five.It seems destined to reach its third consecutive World Cup final.
Or can Morocco pull off the upset?Subscribe to read this story ad-freeGet unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Have you been following our live blogs? We’ll be providing analysis and insight throughout the game, whether you’re watching on TV or not.Join us! World Cup PreviewAfter yesterday’s day off (boring, wasn’t it?), we’re back in action with Morocco carrying Africa’s hopes against tournament favorite France, a repeat of the 2022 semifinal.This French team is in even better shape than the one that beat the Atlas Lions 2-0 four years ago, with London-born Bundesliga Player of the Season Michael Olise pulling the strings.
He has registered five assists this World Cup, more than any player at the tournament.Les Bleus are also the tournament’s joint top goal scorers, alongside champion Argentina.Kylian Mbappé has seven goals (one behind Lionel Messi) and Ousmane Dembélé has four.
He went goalless in Qatar.The French aren’t just about attacking flair.In overcoming an ultraphysical Paraguay 1-0 in the round of 16, the team also showed steel in sweltering conditions.Michael Olise #11 of France attempts an overhead kick during the FIFA World Cup match against Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30.Mattia Ozbot / Getty ImagesBy contrast, Morocco made much lighter work of Canada in the previous round, winning 3-0 after an impressive second-half showing.Morocco was under French protectorate from 1912 to 1956, and the two countries remain closely connected.
Six of the Morocco squad members were born in France.Morocco is on the longest unbeaten streak of any team at the World Cup, a run of 34 games.The c...