LIVE: Reigning World Cup champions France face surprise package Morocco in the second semi-final in Qatar (6am AEDT Thursday) – with both sides chasing plenty of history.
France is seeking to become the first nation to defend a World Cup title in 60 years, while Morocco could become the first nation from outside Europe or South America to ever compete in a World Cup final. Morocco is already the first team from Africa to reach a semi-final.
The winner will face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the decider (Monday 2am AEDT), while the loser will face Croatia in the third-place playoff (Sunday 2am).
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SICK FRANCE STARS IN ‘SERIOUS DOUBT’
France coach Didier Deschamps is facing a pair of major selection headaches, with a flu-like illness spreading through the squad in Qatar.
According to The Sun, midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Dayot Upamecano both missed France’s final training session (Tuesday, local time) before the match.
The paper reports the duo are “serious doubts” for the match, with Upamecano missing a Monday training session as well as the Tuesday preparation.
Both players started in the 2-1 win over England in the quarterfinals, although Upamecano struggled in that match.
Rabiot has featured in all five matches so far, while Upamecano missed just one match – the group game against Tunisia as Deschamps rested most of his starting XI.
Ibrahima Konate replaced Upamecano in central defence for that match, while Youssef Fofana could start in Rabiot’s place if he is unable to recover in time.
Morocco has battled plenty of injuries this tournament, and a number of top stars are in significant doubt for the semi-final.
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West Ham’s central defender Nayef Aguerd missed the quarter-final with a groin/adductor injury, while fullback Noussair Mazraoui was ruled out with a hip flexor issue. The biggest blow was captain and centre-back Romain Saiss, who was stretchered off with a hamstring injury he had suffered against Spain earlier in the tournament.
Coach Walid Regragui wouldn’t be drawn on the fitness of that trio. He said: “As everyone knows, we have a number of injuries but we have an excellent medical staff and they are working very hard and coming in with good news every day.
“No-one is out for now, but no-one is definitely in either. We will put out the best side possible.”
Back-up striker Walid Cheddira is suspended after a pair of yellow cards against Portugal.
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