When is France vs Morocco – World Cup 2022 semi-final? TV channel, live stream FREE, kick-off time for KEY clash
FRANCE take on Morocco for a place in the World Cup final.
Didier Deschamps’ side came out victors over England, breaking the hearts of the nation as Harry Kane’s late missed penalty proved critical.
Morocco, on the other hand, have been remarkable during the competition as a host of upsets have seen them mount an impressive run into the semi-finals.
The Atlas Lions have conceded just once in the tournament so far, including a penalty shootout – and that was an own goal.
Hakim Ziyech and co will now come up against the world champions in a HUGE semi-final clash.
It should not be lost on neutrals that the French empire occupied Morocco in the early 20th century and the links between the two countries remain strong – but expect fireworks on Wednesday night.
Walid Regragui’s side have been simply magical this World Cup and their underdog story will send ripples through history whatever the outcome.
But who will come out on top for a place in the final?
How did they get here?
France beat Australia 4-1 and then Denmark 2-1 to book their place in the knockout rounds before their 1-0 defeat to Tunisia.
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A 3-1 win in the last 16 was enough to see off Poland before the holders came up against England but Olivier Giroud’s header followed by Kane’s penalty miss saw France edge through.
Morocco started off with a 0-0 draw against fellow semi-finalists Croatia then beat Belgium 2-0 and Canada 2-1 to top Group F.
They then drew 0-0 with Spain in the last 16 and won the shootout 3-0 before a 1-0 victory to end Portugal’s campaign and become the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final.
What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
France have no new injury concerns and no one is suspended for Les Belus.
That means Deschamps looks set to name an unchanged XI with that potent front four – and the same defence despite failing to keep a clean sheet in Qatar.
As for Morocco, Regragui has some important calls to make at the back.
Romain Saiss went off on a stretcher against Portugal then Walid Cheddira got himself red carded so they will both be out.
Defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd missed the quarter-final but may be fit again now – although replacements Yahia Attiyat Allah and Jawad El Yamiq both shone.
Who will be the star men?
Kylian Mbappe is the major threat for France – but as England found out, it is dangerous to give too much space to Antoine Griezmann, Aurelien Tchouameni or Giroud as they can all cause problems.
Adrien Rabiot and Ousmane Dembele are also performing well – Morocco’s defence will need to be water tight again.
Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech are the standout names for the Atlas Lions but Sofyan Amrabat is enjoying a superb tournament while Youssef En-Nesyri continues to hurt opponents up front.
What’s the head to head?
France boss the head-to-head record 7-3 with one draw.
That solo Morocco victory came in their first meeting way back in April 1963.
The 2-2 draw in November 2007 ended a run of five straight French victories – Samir Nasri was on the scoresheet in Paris as Marouane Chamakh led the line for the away side.
SunSport prediction
France 2-0 Morocco
When is France vs Morocco?
France vs Morocco will take place on Wednesday, December 14.
The big clash will kick off at 7pm UK time.
The Al Bayt Stadium plays host to the occasion.
What TV channel and live stream is France vs Morocco on?
France vs Morocco will be broadcast live on BBC One.
The match will be live streamed on BBC iPlayer.
The BBC is free-to-air for those in the UK with a valid TV licence.
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Quarter-finals
Friday, December 9
- Match 58: Croatia 1 (4) Brazil 1 (2) – RESULT
- Match 57: Netherlands 2 (3) Argentina 2 (4) – RESULT
Saturday, December 10
- Match 60: Morocco 1 Portugal 0 – RESULT
- Match 59: England 1 France 2 – RESULT
Semi-finals
Tuesday, December 13
- Match 61: Argentina vs Croatia (7pm)
Wednesday, December 14
- Match 62: France vs Morocco (7pm)
Third/Fourth place play-off
Saturday, December 17
- Losers of Match 61 vs Losers of Match 62 (3pm)
Final
Sunday, December 18
- Winners of Match 61 vs Winners of Match 62 (3pm)