France look to avoid a shock cupset against Morocco at Hindmarsh Stadium as the Round of 16 at 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup concludes.
Victory would see France reach the Quarter-Finals for a fourth consecutive Women’s World Cup, whilst Morocco look to extend their debut run at this tournament.
Team News
Maelle Lakrar is a doubt for France with a thigh issue despite having played the entirety of their 6-3 win over Panama in their final Group F match.
Clara Mateo, Sakina Karchaoui, Sandie Toletti and Kenza Dali are all one booking away from missing the Quarter-Finals, should France indeed win this match.
Morocco have no fresh injury concerns and manager, Reynald Pedros could name an unchanged line-up which started their Group H win over Colombia.
Nouhaila Benzina and Ghizlane Chebbak are both just one booking away from being suspended for the Quarter-Finals, should Morocco spring a shock cupset here to secure progression to the last eight.
When is Kick-Off?
France host Morocco at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide, Australia, on Tuesday 8 August at 12pm UK Time, live on BBC1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is France’s first-ever meeting against Morocco at a Women’s World Cup.
- Morocco lost their only previous Women’s World Cup meeting against European opposition, as they lost their opening Group H match 6-0 to Germany.
- France have won each of their two previous Women’s World Cup meetings against African opposition (W2), defeating Nigeria 1-0 in Group Stage in 2011 and 2019 tournaments.
- Five of France’s eight goals at this tournament have been scored before half-time.
- Morocco has kept clean sheets in four of their last six matches in all competitions.
Prediction
After a sluugish start against Jamaica in their opening game, France have just got better against Brazil and Panama which has to be a concern for any opposition, but Herve Renard should be concerned about how sloppy his defence played against Panama with three conceded goals.
Morocco meanwhile have dug deep to snatch clinical wins over South Korea and Colombia but we saw how a top team can tear their defence to shreds, as Germany exposed efficiently in their opening match so they can’t afford to replicate that performance against an attack-minded France.
France though are favourites but given that this tournament is full of curveballs, Morocco’s best bet will be on the counter-attack if can frustrate the French and limit their attack otherwise I see one result coming.
Prediction: France 2-0 Morocco