France vs Morocco too close to call – Rohr

Former Super Eagles Head Coach Gernot Rohr has predicted a tight contest between France and Morocco in the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Atlas Lions will lock horns with Les Blues at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday, December 14 with a ticket to the final at stake.

Despite tipping France as favourites ahead of the second semi-finals clash, the Franco-German tactician believes Morocco will not be a walkover for the world champions.

“Yes, we are rooting for this match,” Rohr told NationSport.

“France is a favourite, but this can be sometimes difficult to assume.

“Morocco play defence and with their wonderful goalkeeper, it will be difficult to beat. France can win on its collective football and strong offensive department in the team.”

The 69-year-old further highlighted some key battle areas for both teams:

“Morocco, I think will continue to play in the same spirit coming from the big defence everybody has been putting together and everybody is attacking together in the box which is very close.

“So, it this not easy to come through on the wings while the French team will try with Ousmane Démbele and Kylian Mbappe to deliver the crosses and the decisive passes for Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann. Griezman in the free role of a playmaker, he is doing very well.

Rohr continued: "The defensive midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni and also Jules Koundé, the two are born in having been educated in the same academy. Also, we are happy to see them there and this is a game where you never know how it can finish because it is an open game to go to the final as they have nothing to lose.

“The Morocco team can only win if they go out and it is still a fantastic result for them and they are really free to play. But in France, everybody is waiting that the French team will win it and go to the final again.”

The winner will face Argentina in the finals at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Sunday, December 18.

WDN