The match is not ordinary for Moroccans. It brings back to the fore the memory of the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, when Morocco’s historic journey was halted by France. But today’s version is different. Morocco comes to the date after a strong performance against Canada in the round of 16, and a 3-0 victory that reaffirmed that the team did not reach this round by chance, but rather as a clear personal result of its play and confidence that has become apparent on the field.
France, for its part, advanced to the quarter-finals with a difficult victory over Paraguay with an unanswered goal. She did not make a great show, but she did what she usually does in the knockout rounds, where she decided the match and proceeded to the next stage.
France’s strength begins with names capable of changing the result at any moment, led by Kylian Mbappe, who continues his strong presence in the tournament. His presence alone imposes constant focus on the Moroccan defense, because any ball that reaches him in a suitable position may turn into an immediate danger. Alongside him, France has a balanced group in midfield and attack, which makes it able to diversify its style between pressure, possession and fast balls.
But Morocco does not appear to be a team waiting for what its opponent will do. In this tournament, the team showed a clear ability to impose itself in big matches, whether through defensive organization or by quickly switching to attack. Against Canada, the Moroccan team appeared bolder and more effective, especially with the brilliance of Azzedine Ounahi and Sofiane Rahimi, which gave the team an important morale boost before facing France.
The match will put the Moroccan national team before a different test. France is not Canada, and it does not leave many areas unpunished. Therefore, Morocco needs a calm and strong start at the same time, by not retreating too much, not giving France a break in the build-up of the game, and most importantly, not losing concentration in the first minutes. These minutes may determine the shape of the match, because an early goal for either side will completely change the calculations.
On the other hand, Didier Deschamps knows that facing Morocco will not be as open as he might prefer. The Moroccan national team is good at closing spaces, and has players capable of calmly getting the ball out when they are under pressure. Therefore, France may resort to trying to lure Morocco, before looking for a decisive moment through Mbappe or from the parties.
The absence of Ismail Saibari from Morocco poses an additional challenge in terms of offensive options, but the team has shown in its previous matches that it does not stop at one name. His main strength in the group, and the high spirit that has accompanied him since the beginning of the tournament. As for France, it is betting on its experience and the depth of its squad, and on players who are accustomed to playing such matches under great pressure.
Certainly, the match contains enough excitement before the starting whistle. France is a candidate based on experience and names, but Morocco is no longer an opponent that can be dealt with easily. This team has grown in the tournament, and has enough audacity to dream beyond the quarter-finals.
