Soccer-Fear factor to the fore as France march into semi-finals
France defeated Morocco in the World Cup quarter-finals with a dominant performance, ending Morocco's defensive-focused run. France's superior pace and tactical control proved too much for the Moroccan side.
Why it matters
The match highlights the tactical evolution of top-tier international football and the high expectations placed on tournament favorites like France.
FOXBOROUGH, MA, July 9 (Reuters) - France have inspired such awe since the start of the World Cup that even Morocco, an attacking side brimming with talent and confidence, appeared beaten before their quarter-final had begun on Thursday.
Morocco would have needed a boldness bordering on arrogance to go toe-to-toe with France, but instead abandoned the exhilarating attacking style that had made them one of the tournament’s most compelling teams.
Their 4-5-1 formation, with Brahim Diaz isolated up front, signalled caution. Few teams would choose to trade blows with France, whose pace in transition has been unmatched throughout the competition and they have now scored 16 goals -- eight from Kylian Mbappe and five for Ousmane Dembele.
But Morocco did more than manage the risk. They returned to the defensive resolve that carried them to the semi-finals in 2022, placing their faith in goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
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