FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 [Semifinal] Preview: 'Why not reach the World Cup final?' Morocco boss eyes another upset
 Posted on : Dec 14, 2022, 11:21AM   78 total views  Category : FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 [Semifinal] Preview: France vs Morocco (03:00am Brunei-time)

Morocco captain Romain Saiss

Morocco captain Romain Saiss was only able to play 57 minutes against Portugal

 

Manager Walid Regragui has said Morocco are "one of the four best teams in the world now", as they aim to create more history and reach a World Cup final.

 

"Why not reach the final of the World Cup? We will show great desire and try to pull off an upset," said Regragui.

 

"We've come to this competition to change mindsets within our continent."

 

Morocco have already beaten Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their way to the last four in Qatar.

 

Regragui said his team could cause another shock, adding: "We have beaten some top sides. Its's a knockout game and when you have desire, commitment and the support of the crowd, you can win it.

 

"The further you get, the more difficult the games are. We are playing the world champions with world-class players and a very good coach [Didier Deschamps] - possibly the best in the world."

 

About 20,000 Morocco fans are expected to be at the Al Bayt Stadium for the match.

 

TEAM NEWS

France centre-back Dayot Upamecano and midfielder Adrien Rabiot are doubtful after both were only able to complete light training on Tuesday.

 

Upamecano, who has been nursing a sore throat, could be replaced by Ibrahima Konate if not fully fit.

 

Walid Cheddira is banned for Morocco after his red card against Portugal.

 

Head coach Walid Regragui has said he will wait until the "last minute" to assess several injury doubts, refusing to rule any players out.

 

Their key fitness concerns are Nayef Aguerd, who missed the win against the Portuguese with a thigh injury, and fellow centre-back Romain Saiss, who was forced off in that game with a similar issue.

 

Full-back Noussair Mazraoui was unavailable for the last match, reportedly through illness and hip pain, but may come back into contention.

 

-- Courtesy of BBC Sport

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