France favourites but Morocco eye another knockout punch

After putting Belgium, Portugal and Spain to the sword in Qatar, Morocco are looking to bring another soccer superpower to their knees when they face France in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday in a match heavy with political and social overtones.
Morocco fans are pictured with the flag of Morocco outside the stadium before the quarter final match between Morocco and Portugal. (Photo: REUTERS)
Morocco fans are pictured with the flag of Morocco outside the stadium before the quarter final match between Morocco and Portugal. (Photo: REUTERS)

The match against former colonial power France will take on an added edge. Morocco's exploits in Qatar have provided an outlet for marginalised migrant communities in France, who have been out on the streets celebrating their wins.

The North Africans have ridden the wave of support throughout the tournament, crowds exhorting players to keep going as they emptied the tanks in every game.

After finishing top of a group that also included Croatia, Belgium and Canada, Morocco then knocked off the fancied Spaniards and Portuguese to reach the semis.

But whether they have enough to engineer an even bigger upset remains to be seen.

By their own admission, there is a vast chasm in quality between the two sides.

"We are now becoming the team that everyone loves in this World Cup because we are showing that even if you don't have as much talent and money then you can succeed," said coach Walid Regragui.

"We have made our people and our continent so happy and proud. When you watch Rocky, you want to support Rocky Balboa and I think we are the Rocky of this World Cup. I think now the world is with Morocco."

Reuters