Football

France vs Morocco LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time, team news for massive World Cup semi-final – updates

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Flying Eze
December 14, 2022

FRANCE are looking to reach their second consecutive World Cup final tonight as they face underdogs Morocco in the semis.

Les Bleus overcame England 2-1 in the quarter-finals, while the African side beat Portugal in a tense affair.

And now Kylian Mbappe and Co come up against a Moroccan side which features his PSG team-mate Achraf Hakimi and Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech.

Kick-off: 3pm UK time
TV channel: BBC One
Live stream: BBC iPlayer
France XI: To follow
Morocco XI: To follow

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Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

The Atlas Lions have conceded just once in the tournament so far, including a penalty shootout – and that was an own goal.

Hakim Ziyech and co will now come up against the world champions in a HUGE semi-final clash.

It should not be lost on neutrals that the French empire occupied Morocco in the early 20th century and the links between the two countries remain strong – but expect fireworks on Wednesday night.

Walid Regragui’s side have been simply magical this World Cup and their underdog story will send ripples through history whatever the outcome.

But who will come out on top for a place in the final?

How did they get here?

France beat Australia 4-1 and then Denmark 2-1 to book their place in the knockout rounds before their 1-0 defeat to Tunisia.

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A 3-1 win in the last 16 was enough to see off Poland before the holders came up against England but Olivier Giroud’s header followed by Kane’s penalty miss saw France edge through.

Morocco started off with a 0-0 draw against fellow semi-finalists Croatia then beat Belgium 2-0 and Canada 2-1 to top Group F.

They then drew 0-0 with Spain in the last 16 and won the shootout 3-0 before a 1-0 victory to end Portugal’s campaign and become the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final.

What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?

Didier Deschamps could be forced into two changes after an illness bug swept round the France camp.

Both central defender Dayot Upamecano and midfielder Adrien Rabiot were unable to train yesterday and are thought to be serious doubts.

And that results in Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Youssef Fofana being on standby.

As for Morocco, Regragui has some important calls to make at the back.

Romain Saiss went off on a stretcher against Portugal then Walid Cheddira got himself red carded so they will both be out.

Defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd missed the quarter-final but may be fit again now – although replacements Yahia Attiyat Allah and Jawad El Yamiq both shone.

Who will be the star men?

Kylian Mbappe is the major threat for France – but as England found out, it is dangerous to give too much space to Antoine Griezmann, Aurelien Tchouameni or Giroud as they can all cause problems.

Adrien Rabiot and Ousmane Dembele are also performing well – Morocco’s defence will need to be water tight again.

Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech are the standout names for the Atlas Lions but Sofyan Amrabat is enjoying a superb tournament while Youssef En-Nesyri continues to hurt opponents up front.

What’s the head to head?

France boss the head-to-head record 7-3 with one draw.

That solo Morocco victory came in their first meeting way back in April 1963.

The 2-2 draw in November 2007 ended a run of five straight French victories – Samir Nasri was on the scoresheet in Paris as Marouane Chamakh led the line for the away side.