Morocco vs France

FIFA has appointed Mexican referee Cesar Ramos to take charge of the Morocco-France semi-finals game, which will take place on Wednesday.

France, the winner of the latest World Cup in Russia in 2018, has never lost a game against Morocco. Morocco’s team has been making international headlines since its historic qualification to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup. Football commentators around the world have hailed the Moroccan team for its defensive solidity. Every contribution, however big or small, is valuable for our mission and readers. The referee already officiated one of Morocco’s stage group matches in the 2022 World Cup. Ramos, who has been a FIFA referee since 2014, has already officiated Morocco’s match against Belgium during the group stage of the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.

Morocco and France will be poised to overcome the final World Cup barrier when they face off on Wednesday night at Al Bayt Stadium.

France are on the edge of setting a record if they reach the finals, and the country will aim to defend the [World Cup](https://khelnow.com/football/category/2022-fifa-world-cup) with players at the prime of their careers. We cannot dismiss a squad that defeated Spain and Portugal; France will learn from it. Mazraoui, the Bayern Munich fullback, is suffering from illness and discomfort but will be ready for the Wednesday match. For Morocco, Ziyech has evolved into a different player, with a superb game setup and being the major emphasis alongside Hakimi. Griezmann may not have scored in this World Cup, but he has been a critical player in keeping the game running fluently. This Morocco team has been relentless throughout the tournament, upsetting Belgium, Spain, and Portugal; they now play France, and they are one step closer to making history.

Morocco are dreaming of a shock place in the World Cup final as they take on holders France in the semi-finals on Wednesday night.

Morocco will fight till the end, but France should come out on top. Morocco have been the undeniable fairytale story in Qatar, becoming the first African team to reach the final four, and one thing their squad won’t be short of is belief. France 1-0 Morocco (aet) Captain Romain Saiss had to be stretched off in the win against Portugal due to a hamstring injury and, despite insisting he will do everything possible to be fit, his availability is in serious doubt. France, given their pedigree and array of stars, are the favourites here - but so were Spain and Portugal. West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd missed the quarter-final win after sustaining an adductor injury against Spain but is pushing to start - and will partner Yahia Attiyat Allah or Jawad El Yamiq.

Outside the US, World Cup matches are being carried by other streaming services, including the BBC and ITV in the UK, SBS in Australia and TSN in Canada. But ...

First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If you're away from home in the UK, you can use a VPN like ExpressVPN to watch ITVX (formerly ITV Hub), the streaming service for ITV, from anywhere. For Spanish-speaking US residents Peacock is airing all of the World Cup games live in Spanish. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network's sports app, you'll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. The match will be shown nationwide in the US on Peacock and FS1, which is available on Note that Sling is currently running a promotion where the first month of service is half-price ($20) for new subscribers. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions. If you find yourself unable to view the match locally, that's where using a VPN can come in handy. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, nonblackout area. With a VPN, you're able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. There is an option that doesn't require searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a [VPN](/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn/), or virtual private network. Mbappé already has one World Cup and is looking to give France back-to-back wins -- a huge deal, since no-one's pulled it off since Brazil in 1962.

World Cup semi-final described as 'win-win' situation by some Morocco fans, while others have used game to fuel anger and hate.

Moroccans feel invested in a mission that is nothing short of a miracle and that is what will carry them all the way.” As many Moroccans with French ties say: ‘This game is between our mother and our father.’” Or as Morocco’s former striker Mohammed Hadji put it: “France is in our hearts and in our blood; France is our twin brother.” “They don’t get on that well but they have this unique chance, thanks to football, to appear together and initiate a thaw,” said Mr Boniface. “They feel discriminated against and take it as a humiliation,” said Pascal Boniface, founder of the institute for international and strategic relations, IRIS. Mr Bardella’s words echoed similar comments made in 2001 when a France-Algeria friendly saw Algeria supporters – many born in France – boo La Marseillaise and invade the pitch. Just two months after taking over the national side, he has earned respect both on and off the pitch with a simple message: “In life, [success] is possible with less talent, quality and money. In doing so, Morocco have bettered the efforts of Cameroon at Italia 90, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010, earning them massive support across the continent but also among Morocco fans in France. However, after two months in which respective ambassadors were recalled, football appears to be bringing the two countries together again. If we win the [World] Cup, which we totally believe can happen, it will be historic for Morocco and really put us on the map. Mantes-La-Jolie is the town with the biggest Moroccan population in France – a country whose Moroccan community numbers around 1.5 million, half of whom are dual nationals. It will also be a first for an Arab and African country,” he said. “I’m French-born from a Moroccan mother and Senegalese father,” said Raiss, his stage name as a musician-producer.

With usual favourites Brazil and Germany out — and despite tensions — many Lebanese are backing the Atlas Lions.

It led to an altercation between them and the neighbourhood’s residents and prompted an intervention by the Lebanese Army. Pia, a half-French half-Lebanese resident of the neighbourhood, told The National that, while she was a staunch France supporter, she was torn about who she wanted to win. “Now I’m with Argentina, because they’re my second-favourite team. Critics said the procession was a provocation, calling for the neighbourhood to increase self-policing measures and threatening to retaliate. [World Cup](https://www.thenationalnews.com/fifa-world-cup-2022/) support in Lebanon is traditionally reserved for two of the globe's strongest teams — five-time winners [Brazil](https://www.thenationalnews.com/fifa-world-cup-2022/2022/12/12/brazil-lose-a-dark-day-in-dahiyeh/) and four-time champions Germany. A subset of Lebanese fans support France — the former colonial power that has traditional links to the Christian community.

If Morocco can shackle France's Kylian Mbappe, it will be half the battle won. Advertisement. AFTER THE sweaty victory against England, the French ...

A big part of it would be to contain Mbappe, make him settle for bad numbers (by his standards) as he had against England and hope he heaves the ball into the distance rather than to the back of the net. Their prime focus was not on Kovacic and Modric, but Brozovic, to prevent him from enjoying too many touches in the midfield, to deny him the opportunity to carry the ball upfield. The first line of defence started with Youssef En-Nesyri, behind him were Azzedine Ounahi and Selim Amallah, tightly holding onto Modric and Kovacic. Almost all of the front five could play-make as well as score; even the defensive midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni could; so could Theo Hernandez, and Rafael Varane. The latter has clocked 35 kmph, the former 35.3 kmph, and together form the fastest pair in this World Cup. Then, as they strolled back to the tunnel, a football bounced onto the turf and fell in the path of Kylian Mbappe. They constricted the hat-trick hero Goncalo Ramos, the most direct of goal-scoring threats, like a python would its prey. There are multiple layers that make the game intriguing and fascinating. Among the four survivors, France has scored the most number of goals (11). Even the usually deadpan-faced Deschamps broke into peals of laughter. The numbers were put forth to manager Didier Deschamps. But so wayward was the strike that it blew somewhere into the distant stands.

Our favorite World Cup best bets and player props for the second World Cup semifinal, where Morocco take on France.

Given how congested Morocco have made the box for their opponents in this tournament, Dembele’s only hope to get a shot on goal is likely going to come from outside the box. With an xG of just 0.48 and only two shots on goal in the tournament, it hasn't been the best World Cup for Ousmane Dembele. While he’s done so twice in this tournament, he’s far down the pecking order of who will likely be on the ball in those situations. Just five of their eight shots against England were on frame, and three of those came from Olivier Giroud. Now he’s likely to start against a Moroccan side that have allowed only nine shots on goal in the entire tournament, including having played an extra 30 minutes against Spain. Semifinals tend to be cagier affairs and have trended towards lower card totals in past tournaments, and I expect the referee to manage this one cautiously. Their style of play also hasn’t seen them dominate enough to draw fouls on the other team early on. Three of their last four matches have seen them receive a yellow card prior to halftime, with forward Antoine Griezmann having his name taken with just two minutes left in first-half regulation against England. Three of Morocco’s five goals in this tournament have come from the right side, with right back Achraf Hakimi setting up another. Early bookings haven’t been an issue for Morocco, who played a very clean tournament until their win over Portugal in the quarterfinals. That matters little now, as Wednesday they will carry the hopes of an entire continent and region seeking to become the first African or Arab nation to reach a World Cup final when they square off against France in the second semifinal match. Saka caused problems throughout the match, and it was his run into the box that led to being fouled for England’s goal from the penalty spot.

Reigning World Cup champs France square off with surprise package Morocco in a mouthwatering World Cup semifinal in Qatar.

[they’ve beaten Spain and Portugal in the knockout rounds](https://soccer.nbcsports.com/2022/12/11/morocco-vs-portugal-video-highlights-recap-reaction/), showcasing incredible grit, energy and quality as they are the total team unit. As for Morocco, their goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has been exceptional, so too has captain Romain Saiss (who is nursing a hamstring injury) while Achraf Hakimi, Sofiane Boufal and Hakim Ziyech give them real quality in wide areas. The only issue is that France has yet to keep a clean sheet and they do look vulnerable on the counter. They have made history as the first-ever African side to reach the final four and Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann are all stepping up at different moments and the French are gathering momentum. [squeaked past England in the quarterfinals](https://soccer.nbcsports.com/2022/12/11/england-vs-france-recap-final-score-video-highlights-harry-kane-penalty-video-goals/), as Les Bleus have looked shaky defensively but have so much quality in attack.

France and Morocco meet in the second semifinal of the 2022 World Cup on Dec. 14. Here's what you need to know about the match.

Winning the 2018 World Cup made him the third man to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager. He has taken Morocco further than anyone imagined at this World Cup and thinks the team can still give more. It has averaged 32% possession in its five World Cup matches, the second-lowest of any team. This strategy has worked due to its near-impenetrable defense and the ability to counter-attack at pace with the dribbling skills of wingers Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal. It was effective against England and a similar approach worked at the World Cup in Russia four years ago. It showed this against England, which had 58% possession and twice as many shots as the World Cup holder. Changing the players has not changed the script – Morocco’s defense is very hard to break. The defense has also had to adapt. For a confidence boost, Hakimi should look no further than Mbappé, who described the Moroccan as the “best RB (right-back) in the world” in a January [tweet](https://twitter.com/KMbappe/status/1486074687838949379). Reigning champion France is aiming to become the first country to win back-to-back men’s World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. It is the outsider for this match but remains unbeaten, having secured against-the-odds wins over Spain and Portugal in the knockout stage. [keeping Mbappé quiet in the quarterfinal](https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertkidd/2022/12/09/world-cup-2022-quarter-final-stop-kylian-mbapp-and-england-has-hope-against-france/), with France relying on goals from Aurélien Tchouaméni and Olivier Giroud for the 2-1 victory.

Ahead of their World Cup semi-final clash, Middle East Eye takes a look at French-Moroccan relations from past to present.

[Western Sahara](https://www.middleeasteye.net/topics/western-sahara). In fact, Morocco is the leading destination for French investment in Africa. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this Amazigh tribesemen later laid siege to the city, and were defeated in a crackdown that caused a further 600 to be killed. In the early 1930s they protested against a decree issued by the sultan which would subject Amazigh communities to customary, rather than Islamic, law. The Battle of El Herri was a notable early victory for the Zaians, led by Mouha ou Hammou Zayani, with over 600 French-aligned troops killed. It was only after a decisive defeat to Frankish forces at the Battle of Tours in 732 that the Muslims were pushed back. [Read More »](/morocco-portugal-world-cup-turbulent-history-conquest-kings) The latter’s huge public debt was also seen as a Kaiser Wilhelm II arrived in Tangier and declared his support for an independent Morocco. They raided eastern France too, invading Lyon and Autun. [Morocco](https://www.middleeasteye.net/countries/morocco)'s fairytale run to the semi-finals of the [World Cup](https://www.middleeasteye.net/topics/qatar-world-cup-2022) has surprised and electrified audiences from Rabat to Reykjavik.

The 2nd seminfinal matchup of the 2022 World Cup has Morocco and France meeting Wednesday at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor at 2 p.m. ET (FOX/Telemundo).

Please [gamble responsibly](https://sportsbookwire.usatoday.com/bet-and-wager-101-responsible-gaming-and-gambling/). [Bet now!](https://media.tipico.com/C.ashx?btag=a_94b_322c_+++SLUG+++-pos4&affid=47&siteid=94&adid=322&c=+++SLUG+++-pos4) [Tipico Sportsbook](https://media.tipico.com/C.ashx?btag=a_94b_322c_+++SLUG+++-pos3&affid=47&siteid=94&adid=322&c=+++SLUG+++-pos3)! [Tipico Sportsbook](https://media.tipico.com/C.ashx?btag=a_94b_322c_+++SLUG+++-pos5&affid=47&siteid=94&adid=322&c=+++SLUG+++-pos5), SportsbookWire's official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. [Tipico Sportsbook's](https://media.tipico.com/C.ashx?btag=a_94b_322c_+++SLUG+++-pos1&affid=47&siteid=94&adid=322&c=+++SLUG+++-pos1) lines around the Morocco vs. France -190 (bet $190 to win $100) - Moneyline: Morocco +600 (bet $100 to win $600) The miracle run is coming to an end in the semifinal against the defending champs, and that's nothing to be ashamed about. Kylian Mbappe is vying for the Golden Boot as top scorer with 5 goals in 5 matches, and he has tacked on 2 assists. Les Bleus has been much more prolific on offense, registering 11 goals, with at least 2 markers in 4 of the 5 matches. They are 24th in the FIFA world rankings. Morocco pulled off a stunner Saturday in a 1-0 quarterfinal win against Portugal.

Analyzing Wednesday's Morocco vs. France semifinal match odds and lines, with World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Please [gamble responsibly](https://sportsbookwire.usatoday.com/bet-and-wager-101-responsible-gaming-and-gambling/). [Bet now!](https://media.tipico.com/C.ashx?btag=a_94b_322c_2022-world-cup-morocco-vs-france-odds-picks-and-predictions-pos4&affid=47&siteid=94&adid=322&c=2022-world-cup-morocco-vs-france-odds-picks-and-predictions-pos4) [Tipico Sportsbook](https://media.tipico.com/C.ashx?btag=a_94b_322c_2022-world-cup-morocco-vs-france-odds-picks-and-predictions-pos3&affid=47&siteid=94&adid=322&c=2022-world-cup-morocco-vs-france-odds-picks-and-predictions-pos3)! [Tipico Sportsbook](https://media.tipico.com/C.ashx?btag=a_94b_322c_2022-world-cup-morocco-vs-france-odds-picks-and-predictions-pos5&affid=47&siteid=94&adid=322&c=2022-world-cup-morocco-vs-france-odds-picks-and-predictions-pos5), SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. [Tipico Sportsbook’s](https://media.tipico.com/C.ashx?btag=a_94b_322c_2022-world-cup-morocco-vs-france-odds-picks-and-predictions-pos1&affid=47&siteid=94&adid=322&c=2022-world-cup-morocco-vs-france-odds-picks-and-predictions-pos1) lines around the Morocco vs. France -190 (bet $190 to win $100) - Moneyline: Morocco +600 (bet $100 to win $600) The miracle run is coming to an end in the semifinal against the defending champs, and that’s nothing to be ashamed about. Kylian Mbappe is vying for the Golden Boot as top scorer with 5 goals in 5 matches, and he has tacked on 2 assists. Les Bleus has been much more prolific on offense, registering 11 goals, with at least 2 markers in 4 of the 5 matches. They are 24th in the FIFA world rankings. Morocco pulled off a stunner Saturday in a 1-0 quarterfinal win against Portugal.

It is a do-or-die for France and Morocco in the competition. Both sides know they must win this match to advance to the competition's finals.

But with that, the other half of the globe is cheering for the competition’s underdogs. It is a do-or-die for France and Morocco in the competition. Netherlands game, half the world is cheering for Croatia to beat the South Americans.