If you asked the majority of football fans who they expected to be one step away from reaching the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, the overwhelming answer would not have been Morocco. In fact, many would’ve had them down as one of the sides likely to suffer an early Group Stage exit, as they squared off against Croatia, Belgium, and Canada.
Yet, here we are; here they are, about to go toe-to-toe with World Cup holders France for a place in the final. They shocked Spain, they added yet more woes to Cristiano Ronaldo’s gradually-tarnishing legacy. Now, can Morroco do the unthinkable by defeating France?
What are Morocco's chances of reaching the World Cup final?
As touched on already, not many, if anyone at all, gave Morocco much of a chance when it came to advancing through the Group Stage, let alone the knockout games that shocked the world not long after. France vs Morocco betting undoubtedly leaves the latter in a similar underdog position, too. But, perhaps that’s why we’ve seen them perform so well. The pressure is not on Morocco. They can already take incredible pride. They are already the story of the tournament. And, with that, they can approach France as if it’s a free hit on the biggest stage that football has to offer.
France to show Spain and Portugal how it’s done?
"Olivier Giroud" (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Biser Todorov Photography
As ruthlessly as ever, France sent England packing in the last eight, arguably without even being the better side on the day. You simply have to be perfect against such a side, however, and England weren’t, and Harry Kane certainly wasn’t. Instead, France simply made Gareth Southgate’s men pay the price for their blunted edge, with Olivier Giroud netting the winner. Could we see the France striker add to his collection of important goals on the international stage?
It is the type of ruthlessness that could see them edge past Morocco, and, in doing so, complete the task that both Spain and Portugal failed so miserably. The likes of Giroud have certainly proven their lack of care when it comes to sentiment so far, that’s for sure, which doesn’t bode well for the Moroccan story that the World Cup has enjoyed so far.
Players who could help Morocco cause another World Cup upset
Past Spain, past Portugal, and one step away from the final, Morocco have performed so well as a collective, but they’ve had some impressive standouts, too. Sofyan Amrabat has been particularly impressive, and has been the unexpected contender for player of the tournament. It’s been his stability in midfield that has allowed players such as Hakim Ziyech to perform at their highest levels.
In the form of France, Morocco face their toughest challenge yet. If this World Cup is anything to go by, though, no team should be expected to progress. No results are guaranteed, and there is more than just a little chance that we see an unexpected member of the 2022 World Cup final.
