Coach Deschamps: 'Morocco doesn't just defend'

* France - Morocco: 2pm on Thursday 15/12, on MetaSports.

After topping the group with Belgium and Croatia, Morocco in turn defeated the championship candidate Spain with a penalty shootout in the round of 16, and Portugal 1-0 thanks to Youssef En-Nesyri's high header. in the quarterfinals. The army under Walid Regragui has only conceded a goal since the beginning of the tournament, but it was an own goal by midfielder Nayef Aguerd in the 2-1 win over Canada.

Deschamps said he and the coaching staff had carefully analyzed and were confident that France would find a solution to concede Morocco in the official 90 minutes. "Morocco defended solidly and was organized. But they not only have a strong defense, otherwise they would not have reached the semi-finals," said the 54-year-old coach, but also insisted that France will not change the attacking style of play and try. scored.

Of the four teams entering the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, Morocco is expected to receive the biggest support from the stands. There are currently about 10,000 Moroccans living in Qatar, and Regragui's troops also receive support from the Arab world and African countries.

Deschamps admits France will be overwhelmed in the stands at Al Bayt today, but does not see this as a disadvantage. "Morocco has great support and this is very helpful for them. It's great to play with such great support, but the atmosphere on the pitch doesn't help you," he insisted.

Kylian Mbappe leads the list of top scorers with five goals, while Olivier Giroud has scored four goals, including the goal of a 2-1 victory over England in the quarter-finals, to become the greatest striker in French history. Compared to these two stars, Antoine Griezmann is more quiet in his new role, playing as a playmaker, but is becoming a pivotal factor for the success of "Les Bleus" in Qatar. Griezmann has created 17 chances and created three goals, none of which have been touched at the 2022 World Cup. In addition, Atletico's player has 28 times participated in live ball situations that ended in a shot, the parameters only less than Mbappe in the French team with 40 times.

Deschamps is not surprised with Griezmann's form, although he has declined at club level, in Atletico and before Barca colors from about two years ago. The 54-year-old coach praised Griezmann for his hard work, technical skills, ability to make a difference and adapting well to his new role. "Griezmann likes to defend as well as attack, and is a playmaker," said Deschamps. "But of course, Griezmann's main task is not to steal the ball, but to create opportunities. Griezmann goes through challenging times like any player, but possesses a very strong spirit. Like the players. Another world-class player, Griezmann can shine in the most important games."

If they beat Morocco, France will meet Argentina in the final at Lusail Stadium on December 18. Deschamps will repeat the record of winning the World Cup twice in a row of the late coach Vittorio Pozzo - who led Italy to two world championships in 1934 and 1938, if he helped France defend the gold cup.