LIVE: Reigning World Cup champions France face shock bundle Morocco within the second semi-final in Qatar (6am AEDT Thursday) – with either side chasing loads of historical past.
France is searching for to turn out to be the primary nation to defend a World Cup title in 60 years, whereas Morocco might turn out to be the primary nation from outdoors Europe or South America to ever compete in a World Cup closing. Morocco is already the primary crew from Africa to succeed in a semi-final.
The winner will face Lionel Messi’s Argentina within the decider (Monday 2am AEDT), whereas the loser will face Croatia within the third-place playoff (Sunday 2am).
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SICK FRANCE STARS IN ‘SERIOUS DOUBT’
France coach Didier Deschamps is dealing with a pair of main choice complications, with a flu-like sickness spreading by the squad in Qatar.
According to The Sun, midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Dayot Upamecano each missed France’s closing coaching session (Tuesday, native time) earlier than the match.
The paper studies the duo are “severe doubts” for the match, with Upamecano lacking a Monday coaching session in addition to the Tuesday preparation.
Both gamers began within the 2-1 win over England within the quarterfinals, though Upamecano struggled in that match.
Rabiot has featured in all 5 matches thus far, whereas Upamecano missed only one match – the group sport in opposition to Tunisia as Deschamps rested most of his beginning XI.
Ibrahima Konate changed Upamecano in central defence for that match, whereas Youssef Fofana might begin in Rabiot’s place if he’s unable to get well in time.
Morocco has battled loads of accidents this match, and quite a lot of prime stars are in important doubt for the semi-final.
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West Ham’s central defender Nayef Aguerd missed the quarter-final with a groin/adductor damage, whereas fullback Noussair Mazraoui was dominated out with a hip flexor subject. The greatest blow was captain and centre-back Romain Saiss, who was stretchered off with a hamstring damage he had suffered in opposition to Spain earlier within the match.
Coach Walid Regragui wouldn’t be drawn on the health of that trio. He mentioned: “As everybody is aware of, now we have quite a lot of accidents however now we have a wonderful medical employees and they’re working very onerous and coming in with excellent news every single day.
“No-one is out for now, however no-one is unquestionably in both. We will put out the most effective facet potential.”
Back-up striker Walid Cheddira is suspended after a pair of yellow playing cards in opposition to Portugal.
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