In light of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann’s amazing form, there is a growing opinion that this will be one game too far for Morocco, whose incredible defensive record (one goal surrendered in five games) will be strained to the breaking point.
These two competing highlights of Qatar 2022 are undoubtedly an intriguing test; Mbappe leads all goal scorers with five, Griezmann leads all key pass producers per 90 minutes (3.4), and Morocco has allowed only 1.5 shots on goal per game.
However, there is a more cunning tactical explanation as to why Morocco might finally lose its way.
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Spain, Belgium, and Portugal, their three biggest victims, are all content to control the ball and the field, pressing up on goal kicks from the opposition when prompted to do so. This has made it possible for Morocco to play their transition-focused, Antonio Conte-like style of football, which features excellent one-touch passing to get past a strong opposition press and into open spaces.
France has a lower likelihood of falling for the trap. They won’t be persuaded to move forward, which will force Morocco to pass the ball higher up the field and encounter a blockade of players. This could completely upset their rhythm and force star players like Sofyan Amrobat and Sofian Boufal to play a slower style of football in restricted areas.
It all revolves around one wing: Morocco’s right vs. France’s left.
However, France’s defense is not as strong as it once was, and France’s weakest spot is where Morocco prefers to run quickly down the right flank through Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech.
Theo Hernandez was vulnerable even before the England match, especially with Mbappe never tracking back, but the way Bukayo Saka tore him to pieces will have given Morocco confidence.
When opportunities to enter the final third do present themselves, the combinations of Ziyech (drifting inside) and Hakimi (overlapping) should cause holes in the France defense. In addition, Adrien Rabiot still appears to be struggling in a two-man midfield, so we shouldn’t dismiss Morocco too quickly.
There may be prolonged periods of pressure on the French goal as a result of their confidence in possession. On the other hand, this danger can cause the game to drag if Mbappe takes advantage of Morocco’s attention on this side of the field during attacks.
Maybe that means Hakimi won’t be around as much going forward, even though he has a good chance of stopping his Paris Saint-Germain teammate.
Whatever transpires on Wednesday, it appears certain that the action will take place on the wing with Hernandez, Mbappe, Hakimi, and Ziyech.