France Wary of Morocco’s Strengths Ahead of World Cup Semi-Final Clash

While for many observers and experts in the sports world, Morocco could not reach the round of 16, the national team has created the surprise and finds itself in the last four and is preparing to face France, the defending champion. On paper, France is the favorite, but for the French players, "we must not fall into complacency," warned French vice-captain Raphaël Varane on Monday. "We will have to fight to the end, because a place in the final is earned," he stresses.

For the Manchester United defender, Morocco has had to overcome countries with great experience in football. This is a good enough reason to take this opponent seriously, who has huge assets in all areas of the game. "It’s a very solid team, difficult to move. They have a big defensive solidarity. There is a collective force that emerges from this team, with performances that give them a lot of confidence. They have offensive weapons, on counter-attacks, set pieces or on individual actions," he stressed.

For Jules Koundé, the fact of having conceded only one goal is proof that the Moroccan defense and goalkeeper are very strong. "It’s going to be difficult, we’ll have to be very technically sound and play our best game if we want to score and win." The French players are aware of the challenge and think they will do their best to win a place in the final.

The semi-final between Morocco and France is this Wednesday at 8pm (Moroccan time) at the Al-Bayt stadium in Al Khor. The match will be refereed by the Mexican referee Cesar Ramos.