France have one more step before the big final with Argentina at the 2022 World Cup: a play-off match with Morocco. The Africans have become the big surprise of the final tournament in Qatar: they have already knocked out such big names as Belgium (groups), Spain (eights) and Portugal (quarters).

Morocco, at the 2022 World Cup in QatarPhoto: Michael Zemanek / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

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The France-Morocco match will be on LiveBlog on HotNews.ro and live on TVR 1 from 21:00.

Probable teams:

France: Hugo Lloris – Jules Kunde, Raphael Varane, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez – Aurelien Chouameny, Adrien Rabiot – Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe – Olivier Giroud. Coach: Didier Deschamps.

Morocco: Yassin Bunu – Achraf Hakimi, Jawad El-Yamik, Achraf Dari, Yahya Attiat-Allah – Azzedine Unahi, Sofian Amrabat, Selim Amalla – Hakim Zieh, Youssef En-Nesiri, Sofian Boufal. Breeder: Valid Regrahi.

Know:

  • Galicia Roosters are trying to become only the third national team to defend the title of world champion after Italy (1938) and Brazil (1962).
  • Before a possible new trophy, France is trying to become the first team since Brazil (in 2002) to play in a second consecutive World Cup final.
  • On the other hand, Morocco is the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. If they bypass France, the team of Walid Regrahi will become the first representative of the Black Continent to mark the final of the World Cup.
  • The Atlas Lions are yet to concede a goal to any opponent in this finals tournament in Qatar, the only goal conceded (in a 2-1 win over Canada) was an own goal (Nayef Agerd).
  • The Mexican Cesar Arturo Ramos Palazuelos will judge the match, and his compatriots Alberto Morin Mendez and Miguel Angel Hernandez Paredes will be assistants. Jesus Valenzuela Sáez (Venezuela) was appointed as the fourth judge.

Semi-final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

  • Tuesday, December 13

Argentina – Croatia 3-0

  • Wednesday, December 14

Morocco – France (Al Beit Stadium – Al Khor, 21:00)

  • Small final: Croatia – France / Morocco / December 17 / 17:00 / Khalifa International Stadium
  • Grand Finale: Argentina – France / Morocco / December 18 / 17:00 / Lusail Stadium