A vengeful Morocco puts its 30-match unbeaten streak on the line against Kylian Mbappé’s prolific French attack in a high-stakes rematch of their 2022 showdown.
Only four years ago, Morocco's 2022 World Cup dream was put to an abrupt end when they fell to a 2-0 defeat to France in the semi-final, with the Moroccans becoming the first African side to reach the final four.
This time, the Lions of Atlas will be looking for revenge as they seek to get to the semi-finals back-to-back, but the French side in their way looks considerably better than the side they lost to four years ago.
Les Blues have conceded only two goals at this World Cup. Still, it has been their scintillating attack that has taken the tournament by storm, with them scoring at least three goals in their opening four matches before being frustrated to a 1-0 win over Paraguay last time out, which came with all its controversy.
The star of the show for Les Blues so far has been their captain, Kylian Mbappé, with nine goal contributions in his five games, scoring the decisive penalty to take them to the quarter-finals.
One of the most dangerous parts of this French side is how they have goals from all over the pitch. Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele scored a World Cup hat-trick against Norway, who have scored four this tournament. His PSG teammate, Bradley Barcola, has also scored two goals himself.
The most underrated player in the incredible French team this tournament has been Bayern Munich centre-back Dayot Upamecano. He has been incredibly calm under pressure, and if he is up to the task, the Lions of Atlas will have a difficult time.
I have spoken about this French team without even mentioning Michael Olise, who is pleading his case for the Ballon d'Or, with his five assists already making him the top assister in the tournament.
Saying all of this, Les Blues are coming up against a side that hasn't lost in thirty matches. Morocco has looked very strong in this World Cup, only unable to beat Brazil, having already knocked out the Netherlands and host nation Canada on their way to the quarter-final.
The AFCON champions knew that they had a really tough task ahead of them if they were able to combat the heroics that happened four years ago, but the Lions of Atlas find themselves one game away.
The star man has been Ismael Saibari, with the new Bayern Munich forward scoring in his three group games, as well as PSG's Achraf Hakimi, who has looked incredible at right back, and some of the biggest teams in Europe have taken interest in Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the 18-year-old thriving in his first international competition.
Team News
There is one big injury in the game: in Morocco's 3-0 win over Canada, their top scorer, Saibari, was brought off in the 22nd minute with a hamstring injury, putting him in doubt for this major clash.
France looks set to be without Aurelien Tchouameni, but his replacement, Manu Kone, looked more than comfortable in the Paraguay game. But it will be more difficult with the tougher opponents.
Key Battles
Achraf Hakimi vs Michael Olise
These are two of the best players in the world going against each other, and it will be truly fascinating to see who comes out on top. If Olise can take hold of the game, a victory should be in the sights of France
Ayyoud Bouaddi vs Adrien Rabiot
The midfield battle could be vital in this game, and the teenager will know that his performance will be paramount for Morocco's chances. Against him will be the widely experienced Adrian Rabiot.
Prediction
France 2-1 Morocco (After Extra-Time)
It will be an incredibly tough test for Les Blues, but I think they will about get over the line, being pushed to extra time by the Lions of Atlas, but some magic from Mbappe will just be enough to get France into the semi-finals.
