Can Morocco extend fairytale run against France for place in final?

African trailblazers Morocco are on the verge of another piece of history on Wednesday evening when they face reigning world champions France in the semi final of the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup with a place in the final at stake.

The 1976 African champions etched their name in folklore when they edged past 2016 European champions Portugal in the quarter finals courtesy of a goal from Youssef En-Nesyri.

Morocco’s run to the semi final has been nothing but magical as against all odds they topped a group comprising of Croatia, Belgium, Canada without suffering any defeat and conceding a single goal through a Nayef Aguerd own goal.

They have also had a fiendish run to the last four as they overcame one of the pre-tournament favourites Spain on penalties and tested their resolve in the quarters with a 1-0 win over Portugal.

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The brave Atlas Lions have had defense as their hallmark of the competition as they are yet to concede a goal in the knockout stages of the competition despite facing European giants Spain and Portugal.

Having overcome great footballing nations, Morocco head coach Walid Regagrui is still confident that his side still have one upset left in them when they come up against Les Blues.

“It's a great challenge for us. We came up against the last runner-up [Croatia] and third team [Belgium], so practically all the best teams in the world. Now this may be the toughest challenge.

We respect them, and we'll give our best, as we've been doing it since the start of the competition, to create an upset because obviously, if we achieve this feat, it will be an upset,” said Regagrui.

Morocco however have selection headaches with Walid Cheddira serving a red card suspension while captain Romain Saiss and centre-back Nayef Aguerd are doubtful with injury issues.

France on the other hand are seeking their own piece of history as they aim to become the first side since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend their World Cup crown.

While Morocco are yet to concede a goal from an opposition player, in stark contrast France are yet to register a clean sheet in the tournament.

France head coach Didier Deschamps credited his backroom staff for the success the team is currently enjoying as they create the perfect harmony.

“I spend a lot of time with my staff, so I talk to my players collectively and individually. For me, the most important thing is to keep everyone within this dynamic, and to spend a lot of time with the players who don't play.

Sometimes we speak, other times we have meetings. We also have conversations during the day. I don't have an office where I can welcome them one by one so we have a relationship built on trust, which is important to have between the players and me,” said Deschamps.

The match will kick off at 2200EAT at the Al Bayt Stadium.