Overview:
The highly anticipated clash opens the quarter final proceedings in a repeat of the 2022 semi-final clash in Qatar which the Les Blues edged 2-0.
- Gillete stadium, Foxborough 11pm [EAT]
Morocco are eyeing a second successive semi-final but must overcome two-time world champions France in the quarter final on Thursday at the Gillete stadium in Foxborough.
The highly anticipated clash opens the quarter final proceedings in a repeat of the 2022 semi-final clash in Qatar which the Les Blues edged 2-0.
France overcame Paraguay 1-0 in the round of 16 courtesy of Kylian Mbappe goal from the penalty after substitute Desire Doue who has so far supplemented the attacking of quartet of Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and livewire Michael Olise with dignity.
The Les Blues have won all their matches in the competition thus far and will be favourites against the African side targeting more history on the global stage.
The Atlas Lions were ruthless in their last game beating co-hosts Canada 3-0 in a splendid second half performance and are unbeaten in five matches so far.
The game in Boston is a huge milestone for Didier Deschamps, the French coach who has won the world cup, both as player and coach as he will manage his 25th match in the competition targeting a 20th win.
For both coaches, there are a few injury concerns with Mohammed Ouahbi sweating over the fitness of Ismail Saibari who suffered a hamstring in the win over Canada with Sofiane Rahimi poised to start if he doesn’t recover.
On the other hand, Deschamps could as well miss out on Real Madrid midfield stalwart Auriel Tchouameni and Marcus Thuram who are sidelined although the former returned to training on Wednesday.
Whichever side wins a rematch of their 2022 semi will advance to the final four, where either Spain or Belgium would await.
How to watch
All matches will be live on DStv on four dedicated FIFA World Cup Channels in multiple languages. The Channels are FIFA World Cup Central (Channel 222), FIFA World Cup Extra (Channel 223), FIFA World Cup Pass (Channel 225), and FIFA World Cup Swahili (Channel 224).
