Morocco wants to end French rule fifa world cup The title race has suffered a major setback with in-form striker Ismail Sebari missing Thursday’s blockbuster quarter-final clash with a hamstring injury.Head coach Mohamed Wahbi confirmed on the eve of the game that the PSV Eindhoven star has failed to recover after sustaining an injury sustained in Morocco’s 3-0 win over Canada, leaving the Atlas Lions without one of their most influential players in the biggest game of the season.“He’s not ready yet, but I hope it’s not the end of the game for him,” Wahbi told reporters.Sebari has been one of Morocco’s standout performers at this World Cup, scoring in all three of their group matches and scoring the decisive penalty in the last-32 penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands. His absence creates a major hole in Morocco’s attack as they try to defeat two-time world champions France and reach a second successive World Cup semi-final.
Wahbi refuses to change Morocco’s approach
Despite losing one of their key attacking weapons, Wahbi insists Morocco will not abandon the style of play that led them to the quarter-finals.“In terms of preparing for the game, there won’t be any surprises. I have nothing to hide. I’m not a person who likes surprises and those who have analyzed our games, you know we know exactly how we want to play,” he said.The Moroccan coach stressed that patience in possession and smart running are crucial for Didier Deschamps’ side.“Of course, the key is to hurt them when we have the ball, but it’s not just out wide. We have to be patient with the ball and find places where we can break through from either side or through the middle. We have shown that we can hurt any team and that is our goal,” he added.The quarter-finals were a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, when France beat Morocco 2-0 to end their historic winning streak. However, Wahbi believes both teams have come a long way since then.“Every game is different. We have a different team and we will face a different French team than four years ago,” he said.Wahbi dismissed suggestions that simply reaching the quarter-finals would be enough for his players, adding: “France are probably the favourites, but we will do everything possible to win. Being at this stage is not a bonus. The prize is winning the World Cup. “
France hopes to reach deep into World Cup again
France enters the game at Foxborough with a perfect record from five games and is seeking a third straight World Cup semi-final. Kylian Mbappe led by seven goals while Ousmane DembeleMichael Ollis and Bradley Bakla rounded out the strong offense.Deschamps warns against underestimating Morocco despite Sebari’s absence“We met them four years ago in the semi-finals. It’s a great, good team with top individuals. They are not here to play. They’re here to win,” he said.The France coach also dismissed concerns surrounding Mbappe’s off-field controversy, insisting: “Kylian is fine… he is just focused on tomorrow’s game.”Morocco is unbeaten in 10 games since the Africa Cup of Nations final in January and is still seeking a first win against France after losing four and drawing two in its previous six games. The winner will face Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals.
