The first two rounds of the FIFA World Cup knockout stage are in the books and the quarterfinals are upon us. Following the tournament’s first off day on Wednesday, action resumes with France vs. Morocco on Thursday afternoon in Boston. France has looked like the best team in the entire event and is currently the title favorite, but Morocco was a semifinalist in 2022 and is once again showing signs of being a real contender.
Let’s dive into my best bet for the World Cup quarterfinal between France and Morocco.
France vs. Morocco odds
To advance: France -390
To advance: Morocco +295
3-Way ML: France -180
3-Way ML: Morocco +550
3-Way ML: Draw +290
Over 2.5 goals -105
Under 2.5 goals -120
France -0.5 goals -180
Morocco +0.5 goals +145
France vs. Morocco prediction: Under 2.5 goals (-120)
These are simply two of the best defensive teams in the world. Although they are dangerous offensively, as well, the smart play seems to be backing no more than 2.5 goals scored through 90 minutes.
Through five World Cup matches, France has recorded three clean sheets and has given up a total of only two goals. Not even fellow quarterfinalist Norway managed to score more than once against the 2018 champions. They allowed zero big chances in their last two games against Sweden and Paraguay. Morocco has also been putting the clamps down. It shut out Scotland in the group stage and Canada in the second round, held Brazil to one goal, and also limited the Netherlands to one in the first round before prevailing in penalty kicks. Three of the Atlas Lions’ five matches have produced two goals or fewer. That is nothing new for them, as they won the Africa Cup of Nations in January by posting a dominant six clean sheets in the span of seven matches. Of concern for Morocco is that attacking midfielder Ismael Saibari is questionable for Thursday due to a hamstring injury that he sustained against Canada in the round of 16.
France has been lethal offensively at times during this tournament, but Les Bleus were mostly silent during a 1-0 win over Paraguay last week. Ousmane Dembele has failed to score in two consecutive matches. Dembele delivered huge performances against both Iraq and an undermanned Norwegian side in the group stage, but he recorded only one point (an assist) in the other three matches combined.
This is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinals, which France won 2-0.
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