The Moroccan team, which has been beating the heroes step by step in the football world, faces the challenge of defending champions France in the World Cup semi-finals and breaking this magic will not be easy for them. After defeating European giants Spain and Portugal in the knockout stage behind second-ranked Belgium in the group stage, the Moroccan team has written the golden chapter of their country’s football. Morocco, the first African team to make it to a World Cup semi-final, have been ruled by France between 1912 and 1956, so the match has a cultural and political background.
France have star striker Kylian Mbappé who has managed to shine in an era of stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He is leading the race for the Golden Boot with five goals so far in this World Cup. “I was asked if we could win the World Cup and I said why not,” said Walid Regragui, the French-born Moroccan coach. We can dream and there is nothing wrong in dreaming. He said, “European countries have been winning the World Cup and we have played against top teams. It was not easy. Now every team must be scared of us.
On the other hand, it will not be easy for France, who have reached here after winning a tough semi-final match against England, against Morocco. Morocco have not conceded a single goal in this World Cup so far. The only goal was an own goal in the group stage against Canada. French President Emmanuel Macron can also reach Al Bayt Stadium to watch this match. Thousands of Moroccan fans have arrived here which means the ground will be full of green and red. France centre-back Raphael Varane said his team is not prone to complacency and will not take the opposition lightly. He said, “Morocco has not reached this far by luck. They are a great team and we are ready for the battle.
