Franco-Moroccan Star Karchaoui Faces Emotional World Cup Clash as France Meets Morocco

The left-back of the French national team is about to experience a special and "full of emotions" moment during this match against Morocco. "It’s always a pleasure to play against Morocco, it will be my first time. I’m of Moroccan origin and proud of my origins... Unfortunately, we’ll have to win, so I don’t wish them the best for this match (laughs)," Sakina Karchaoui said on Saturday during a press conference.

And she added: "It’s going to be a match full of emotions, it will remind us of the one of the men where we saw this solidarity between the two countries. We forgot all our problems around and we focused on this match, it was a joy to share that with some people." France had beaten Morocco in the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar, ending the historic run of the Atlas Lions in this tournament.

The Karchaoui family is also expecting a special moment during this France-Morocco match. "I have two 100% Moroccan parents who were born in Morocco, I also have brothers and sisters who were born in Morocco. I’ve been a bit teased in that regard. We know very well the place that Morocco has in our family, just like France. My family will get together and my parents will be for their daughter, it will be special for them too," commented the French defender.

Morocco finished second in their group, behind Colombia, eliminating Germany and South Korea. The Franco-Moroccan is aware that this match will not be "easy." "In their group, not many would have bet on Morocco. A big country like Germany is already out. We see that this World Cup is a bit ’crazy’. But on the field, you have to know how to ’switch’ in relation to the emotions and do what is necessary," said Sakina Karchaoui.