Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD/DOHA: On Wednesday, France will face FIFA World Cup history-makers Morocco in the FIFA World Cup 2022 semi-finals, with Argentina waiting for Lionel Messi after another dazzling performance from the diminutive magician.
The seven-time winner of the Ballon d’Or will have the opportunity to cap off his career in style after the Copa America champions defeated the FIFA World Cup champions Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday.
Last champions of FIFA World Cup
Current champions France knows that a victory over unheralded Morocco would put them just one win away from successfully becoming the first team to defend the trophy in 60 years. However, this achievement could only be obtained by the Italians in 1934 and 1938; and the Brazilians, who were champions in 1958 and 1962.
France, led by Didier Deschamps, are strong favorites to win at the Al Bayt Stadium, but they will be up against a group that has only given up once throughout their remarkable run to the semifinals.
Hugo Lloris, captain of the France team, is fervently trying to keep his team from showing any signs of complacency because they are accustomed to competing at the top of tournaments. The fact that a team can defeat Belgium, Spain, and Portugal and win their group is evidence of their strength on the field and, undoubtedly, their strength off it, in terms of cohesion and team spirit, according to Lloris. The stadium will have a hostile environment, and they will be formidable opponents.
Deschamps’ team is on the verge of winning its third FIFA World Cup in seven competitions, but they know that no team has successfully defended the title since Pele’s Brazil team did so in 1962. In their matchup with a tenacious Morocco team, the world champions are unlikely to have it all their own way. They defeated Spain on penalties, eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal from the competition, and won their group, including Croatia and Belgium.
The first African team and first Arab country to play in the FIFA World Cup semifinals, respectively, is Morocco.
Fan factor
Since France was Morocco’s former colonial power and more than a million Moroccans currently reside there, the game will have extra spice. Their incredible support from spectators inside the stadium and throughout the Arab world will be their not-so-secret weapon on Wednesday.
They are supported by a popular fervor, according to Deschamps. “My players have been informed that it will be extremely noisy. As a result, they are prepared.”
Walid Regragui, the coach of Morocco, who was born close to Paris and played most of his playing career in the French league, thinks his team has gained favor with the outsiders.
But he is adamant that his group is not merely present to fill out the numbers. Messi tied Kylian Mbappe of France for the most goals scored with five on Tuesday when he converted a penalty against Croatia in the first half.
Shortly before halftime, Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez doubled Argentina’s lead by breaking through the middle with the help of two fortunate bounces.
Then, in the 69th minute, Messi worked his magic to set up Alvarez for his second goal, ending the game and giving the 35-year-old player another opportunity to make history after his heartbreaking loss to Germany in 2014 final.
“Argentina is back in the FIFA World Cup championship game. Embrace it! “said the great Argentine.
“We have experienced both difficult and wonderful circumstances. We are witnessing something amazing right now.” Regragui argued that reaching the semifinals was not enough, despite what some people may think.
“There is a problem if you make it to the semi-finals and are not hungry.” “Brazil, the tournament’s top team, has already been eliminated. We are a driven team with ambition, but I’m not sure if that will be enough, “Added he.
