Morocco vs France: Top five players to watch out for

The semifinal clash between the Atlas Lions and Les Blues will be an enthralling game.

France and Morocco in FIFA World Cup 2022 semi-final are going to be the most exciting game between the two teams in Qatar. Apart from the loss against Cameroon France had done well in the tournament. Although the loss against Cameroon came with a second-string squad. While in the other hand Moroccans have been unbeaten in the tournament. Morocco had beaten Belgium, Spain, and Portugal and ended up with a 0-0 draw against Croatia. Morocco’s stunning performance has made the French a little worried about their chances in the Semi-final. 

The Atlas Lions became the first African nation set to play the FIFA World Cup semi-final. Moroccans are confident and resilient with their game and after defeating Spain & Portugal Morocco player’s confidence will be skyrocketing. Their next challenge is star-studded France. Olivier Giroud & Kylian Mbappe has been brilliant with their scoring. France will face a tough challenge against Morocco’s defence led by Achraf Hakimi and Yahya Attiyat Allah. The French team is filled with players who have experience playing in a big game like this. Though, this is where Moroccans might feel under little pressure. There are a few other names that will be key for both teams in this game. 

5. Yassine Bounou

Bounou with the gloves has been stunning in this World Cup. Bounou has faced world-class strikers like Morata, Hazard, and Ronaldo yet they failed to net even one strike against Bounou. In the game against France, Giroud and Mbappe's dual attack will question his abilities. Yassin has conceded only once in this entire World Cup against Canada.

4. Raphael Varane

After an injury scare initially Varane was on the verge of being ruled out from the World Cup. But when he got fit for the tournament he made every opportunity count for his country. Varane in the backline has been exceptional. Morocco’s strategy in this tournament has been to find a chance and then go back defensive, for France Varane has the ability to stop Morocco’s attack. 

3. Achraf Hakimi

Morocco’s X-factor in FIFA World Cup 2022 is defence. Achraf Hakimi in the backline has made top strikers in the World look small in front of a relatively lesser experienced Morocco. Achraf Hakimi plays for Paris Saint-Germain in the French league with Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe is the most important French player in the tournament and Hakimi’s experience of playing with him may come in handy for Morocco. 

2. Olivier Giroud

He is considered one of the most underrated strikers in the football world. Giroud in this tournament has scored 4 goals in 5 games and has supported Kylian Mbappe extremely well. Morocco will be a tough competition for Giroud too, Atlas Lions so far have tamed Cristiano Ronaldo and Eden hazard strikers in this tournament. Giroud has scored in crucial moments for French. 

1. Kylian Mbappe

Even before the World Cup 2022 started Kylian Mbappe was expected to be in the frontline for the Golden Boot race. Mbappe proving his worth has scored 5 goals and is the top Scorer of this edition. Morocco has a dual challenge to face in the semi-final as Mbappe and Giroud both are in superb form. Mbappe will like to extend his lead more by scoring against Morocco.