The quarterfinal between France and Morocco captivates more than just the two countries involved. In Algeria, this matchup also provokes particular unease, caught between rivalry with Rabat, French colonial memory, and the impossibility of choosing a side.
As a new major showdown against Morocco approaches, memories of 2010 resurface in discussions about the French team. That year, the Blues did more than just fail their World Cup. They experienced one of the most serious internal crises in their history .
Morocco’s press conference ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against France was disrupted by a clash between two journalists. A brief incident, but revealing of the electric atmosphere surrounding this World Cup showdown.
Spain still needs to beat Belgium in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday night. But Lamine Yamal is already looking ahead, envisioning a very special possible semifinal against Morocco.
As the France-Morocco quarter-final takes place this Thursday, July 9, Moroccan supporters have taken over downtown Boston. Between chants, flags and displayed confidence, one concern keeps resurfacing: the refereeing, with the vivid memory of 2022 still fresh.
Ismael Saibari will not play in the quarter-final of the World Cup against France on Thursday evening. Injured in the thigh, the Moroccan striker misses a major appointment, but Soufiane Rahimi appears as a credible solution.
Didier Deschamps’ press conference became tense on the eve of the France-Morocco quarter-final. The memory of the 2022 semi-final resurfaced in the exchanges, before Moroccan journalists protested demanding more questions.
French authorities are preparing for an evening under high surveillance for the France-Morocco quarter-final. A note from the Territorial Intelligence services alerts to a heightened risk of public disorder , particularly after the final whistle.
On the eve of the quarter-final between Morocco and France, the designation of Argentine referee Facundo Tello as the central arbiter is causing a reaction on the French side. Officially, the Blues refuse to fuel controversy, but this FIFA choice is feeding unease around the Boston clash.
The France-Morocco quarter-final, scheduled for Thursday evening, is already concerning several European cities. Following incidents during previous celebrations, law enforcement fears another tense evening around Moroccan supporters.
A Moroccan supporter from Brussels accuses a bar near the Stock Exchange of making entry paid only for Morocco-Canada . Yassine claims he refused to pay 10 euros, before noticing that France-Paraguay was then broadcast for free.
Against France, Morocco needs more than just solid defense. Above all, it must prevent the Blues from entering their preferred scenario too quickly. The longer the match stays tight, the more pressure will shift sides and the more the Atlas Lions can sow doubt.