France vs. Morocco 12/14/22 World Cup Soccer Picks, Predictions, Odds

France and Morocco face off on Wednesday in a World Cup soccer semifinal game at Al Bayt Stadium. 

France finished in first place in Group D picking up six points. In the round of 16, France beat Poland 3-1. In the last game against England, it was two goals that were the difference on the way to victory. It was a goal in the 78th minute by Olivier Giroud that was the game-winner. France looks to be fully healthy heading into this game and that is great news as they need all hands on deck. In this game, France needs to find a way to get through the tough defense of Morocco. Scoring might not come easy, but they can’t get frustrated if they can’t get through the back line early. 

On the other side of this matchup is Morocco who finished in first place in Group F picking up seven points. Morocco has been the biggest surprise in the World Cup, and there is a ton of chatter about how much fan support they will have in the stands for this game. In the round of 16 they were able to beat Spain in a shootout. There were zero total goals scored in that game. In the last game against Portugal, Morocco scored one goal, and secured the 1-0 victory. Morocco only had 26 percent of the possession and three shots on target. Walid Cheddira picked up two yellow cards in the last game, and he will be suspended for this game. Romain Saiss had to be stretched off in the last game, and it doesn’t look like he’s going to be able to go in this game. Aguerd missed the last game because of injury, but the hope is that he will be back for this game. 

Morocco is pretty banged up heading into this game, but they are fighters, and I expect their defense is going to find success here. France might still get the win here, but I don’t see them scoring more than a goal in regulation. This game will finish with one or two goals in regulation and the under is going to cash. Back the under 2.5 goals.