updates
Morocco knocked out after 23 minutes
World Cup favorites France are flexing their muscles
8/8/2023 2:53 p.m
No surprise in the last round of 16 of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand: France dealt with Morocco dominantly. Les Bleues only need the first 23 minutes to decide the game – and thus consolidate their role as favorites for the title.
The French footballers continue to have their sights set on their first major title thanks to Kadidiatou Diani and Eugenie Le Sommer at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Coach Hervé Renard’s team easily defeated outsiders Morocco 4-0 (3-0) in the round of 16 and thus reached the quarter-finals for the fourth time in a row. So far, semi-finals at the 2011 World Cup and the 2022 European Championship have been the maximum for Les Bleues in major tournaments, there has never been a trophy.
Diani first scored himself (15′) and then put on for Kenza Dali (20′) and Eugenie Le Sommer (24′), Le Sommer (70′) increased again after the break. The French now meet co-hosts Australia on Saturday (9am CET). Morocco, who were the only newcomers to survive the group stage despite a 6-0 loss against Germany, tried to play – and were severely punished for doing so.
France has an easy time with courageous Morocco
As expected, France immediately took the lead in front of 13,557 spectators in Adelaide and played much more enthusiastically than in the preliminary round. Diani nodded off the first well-played attack after a cross from Sakina Karchaoui.
Then Diani served Dali and Le Sommer with flat passes into the backcourt. Instead of walling up, Morocco played along happily – and that played into the hands of the clearly better favorites in terms of football.
France against Morocco is always something special because of the history of the countries: This time, too, there were a few players on both sides with roots in the opponent’s country. However, the players in Les Bleues jerseys had a lot more fun after the break, with the exception of Ibtissam Jraidi’s chance (49′). France managed defensively without much effort and always remained dangerous offensively.
The World Cup is now taking a break until the first quarter-finals are played on Friday: At 3 a.m. German time, Spain will meet the Netherlands and at 9.30 a.m. Japan will meet Sweden.