Before the start of the World Cup, neither bookmakers nor football experts predicted that Morocco would qualify for the semi-finals. While the French, as the reigning world champions, were third-placed behind Brazil and Argentina, the African side were ranked 21st. Those who believed in the incredible sensation of Morocco's performance before the opening matches of the tournament had the opportunity to bet on odds of 230. Now it stands at just 11. France approach the semi-final meeting as the main favourite, even despite the presence of Argentina in the grid of the tournament. In the upcoming match, bookmakers expectedly identified Mbappe and his company as the favourites for the meeting, whose victory in regulation time can be bet at odds of around 1.50.

Ironically, the World Cup champions have already lost to Africa in the current tournament. The opponent of Deschamps' team in the third round of the group stage was Tunisia. It is important to note that, by the time the French had secured two hard-fought victories in the quartet, beating Australia and Denmark 6-2 on aggregate. In the play-offs, France had faced only Europe before the upcoming game. If Lewandowski's side Poland were unbeaten on the pitch, beating them 3-1, the French were a nervous wreck against England. In a fairly competitive encounter, the fatal mistake was Kane's unfortunate attempt on his second penalty of the match.

Morocco were considered the third strongest team in the group with Croatia, Belgium and Canada. In the opening round, the Africans drew 0-0 with Modric, but the Belgians were stunned to the deep knockout of the "golden generation". Interestingly, in the third round, Canada had more opportunities to take points from Morocco and even win, but they simply failed to take their chances. The play-off matches against Spain and Portugal proved once again two key features of Ziyesh, Hakimi and company. Firstly, it is easier for them to play second best. Second, they fear absolutely no one in world football.

So far, no team in the tournament has found an antidote to Morocco's crazy pressing, discipline, quick wings and counterattacks. It's a good bet that France will also have trouble with their main Mundial sensation.