Women’s World Cup: France vs Morocco is a True Classic

France vs Morocco

World Cup’s throughout history have thrown up some amazing stories, romantic tales of teams going beyond their wildest dreams, and this Women’s World Cup is no exception.

We’re into the last 16, and the winner of Group F, France, are about to meet the runners up in Group H. And that, my friends, is the minnows of Morocco.

Herve Renard’s France are one of the best teams in the world, but there is plenty of history between the two nations. While Morocco weren’t expected to reach the knockout phase, managed by Frenchman Reynald Pedros, they have put in a couple of stunning Women’s World Cup 2023 results and only missed out on topping their group on goal difference.

And the biggest news of all is that they dumped the world number two side Germany out of the tournament in the process.

France beware!  

Talking Points

Les Bleues have found their momentum  

An opening round goalless draw with Jamaica was not the start France were hoping for, but Les Bleues stood up to the test when they met Brazil, winning 2-1 as Wendie Renard’s header, seven minutes from time, got their tournament underway. The towering defender met a corner from Selma Bacha with a powerful header that bounced up off the pitch and over keeper Leticia to seal the points.

And then, just needing a point to book their place in the last 16, France thumped Panama 6-3. Les Bleues were 4-1 ahead at half time as Kadidatou Diani helped herself to a hat-trick, including two penalties.

France conceded with just two minutes on the clock, but from then on, they totally dominated the Panamanians with 72-per cent possession, 26 shots to six, and 10 to three on target.

Diani is top scoring with her three goals, while team captain and 6’2” defender Renard is hoping to add a World Cup medal to her 14 French Leagues titles, and France should certainly make it to the last eight.

The Women’s World Cup 2023 betting odds price Les Bleues at 1.13 to win this tie, and they should, but they face a team which is riding the crest of a wave.  

Morocco have announced themselves on the world stage

After taking an almighty 6-0 stuffing at the hands of Germany, we all feared for the Moroccans, but we needn’t have worried. That is because the Lionesses rose and roared, just like the Atlas Lions did at the 2022 World Cup.

Morocco women registered their first ever World Cup victory by beating South Korea 1-0 in Adelaide and followed that up with a one-goal win against Colombia.

Ibitassam Jraidi scored Morocco’s winner against Korea, their first ever World Cup goal, as they beat a team ranked 55 places higher, and that goal gave the Lionesses a new level of confidence.

Morocco repeated their feat when they met Colombia when Anissa Lahmari was quickest to react after Ghizlane Chebbak had a penalty saved, slamming in the rebound.

The win took Morocco through to the Round of 16, making them the first North African nation to navigate the group stages at a World Cup, and they are one of only eight tournament debutants to advance.

The win over Colombia was a clinical performance in many ways, as Morocco conceded possession but had six shots to three on target. They deserve to be in the last 16, and the Lionesses don’t want to go home quite yet.           

History

France have come close to silverware, reaching the semi-finals of the 2011 World Cup and the semi-finals of Euro 2022, and now they are hoping to convert strong tournament performances into tournament wins.

The Lionesses of Atlas are at their first ever World finals, but they came into the tournament on the back of a final in the 2022 African Cup of Nations.  

This is the first meeting between these two countries.  

In terms of recent form, France have won four, lost one, and drawn one over the last six games, while Morocco have won two, drawn two, and lost two. 

Betting Tip

If you fancy another Morocco shock, then you can back the heroic underdogs at a SBOTOPprice of 10.12 and a draw at 90 minutes is at 6.56.

Apart from the 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Germany, Morocco have conceded just one goal in the last six games with two 1-0 wins, a one-goal defeat to Romania, and two goalless draws against Switzerland and Italy.  

I think Renard’s team will come through, and a correct scoreline of 2-0 to France would suit Les Bleues just fine and allow the Moroccans to go home with their heads held high.   

 

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