The most surprising participant at this year’s World Cup Semifinals takes on the favorite when Morocco looks for a third straight upset victory over titlist France. Morocco bested Spain in the Round of 16 and then took down Portugal in the World Cup’s elite eight. Can Morocco add France to the list of Goliaths that have fallen to this year’s David? Or will France send Morocco packing? Check out FIFA World Cup Odds, analysis, and a free pick for France versus Morocco.
2022 FIFA World Cup Betting Analysis: France vs Morocco Matchup
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Semifinal – France versus Morocco
- When: Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 2:00 pm ET
- Where: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar
- TV/Streaming: FOX
- Handicap Odds: France -0.5 -193 / Morocco +0.5 +149
- Moneyline Odds: Morocco +600 / France -185 / Draw +290
- Total Odds: O 2.5 +123 / U 2.5 -157
Why Morocco is a good play versus France
Of the remaining teams, only Morocco has not allowed a goal from an opposing player. The goal Canada scored in Morocco’s final group stage victory was an own goal by Nayef Aguerd.
Croatia, another semifinalist, Belgium, Canada, Spain, and Portugal, couldn’t score against Morocco’s ridiculously effective defense. If those teams couldn’t score goals, especially Spain and Portugal, then what chance does France have of scoring?
Also, if you push the attack, Morocco is a fantastic counter attacking team, which means France has to be careful about how they set up their defense.
Morocco Last 5
- W – 1-0 vs. Portugal
- W – 0-0 vs. Spain
- W – 2-1 vs. Canada
- W – 0-2 vs. Belgium
- D – 0-0 vs. Croatia
Morocco Predicted Starting Lineup
- Bounou
- Aguerd
- Mazraoui
- Attiyat-Allah
- Ziyech
- Ounahi
- Saiss
- Jabrane
- En-Nesyri
- Amallah
Why France is a good play versus Morocco
The French are unlike any team Morocco has faced. The Moroccans took on a Spanish side without a true star striker. Then when Morocco threw down against Portugal, Christiano Ronaldo sat on the bench for the entire first half.
France can score with Griezmann, Mbappe, or Giroud. There’s also Tchouameni, who scored the first goal against England, Rabiot, and Dembele. So the Moroccans can’t just concentrate on stopping Mbappe and hope to beat the French.
France Last 5
- W – 1-2 vs. England
- W – 3-1 vs. Poland
- L – 1-0 vs. Tunisia
- W – 2-1 vs. Denmark
- W – 4-1 vs. Australia
France Predicted Starting Lineup
- Lloris
- Upamecano
- Varane
- Hernandez
- Kounde
- Griezmann
- Rabiot
- Tchouameni
- Giroud
- Mbappe
- Dembele
Final Betting Analysis: Morocco vs France
Morocco has played great soccer but they got a reprieve versus Portugal. Benching Ronaldo in the the first half ended Portugal’s chances.
Once Ronaldo stepped onto the pitch in the second half, Portugal pressured Morocco throughout. The pressure got so intense that there were a few moments where it looked as if Portugal might tie up the match.
But Morocco escaped with a 1-0 win. France won’t mess around. From the start, the French will control possession and take shots.
Tchouameni’s shot that scored the first goal versus England’s terrific defense came well outside the box. So if Morocco decides to play a defense that brings everybody into the box, France will take shots from outside and hope for deflections to the net.
Still, France isn’t a lock. The French defense did not play well against England’s attack. So although Morocco is destined to give up a goal to France, the French almost assuredly will not keep a clean sheet, which is why the draw is the play.
World Cup Pick: Draw
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