By Julien Pretot
DOHA (Reuters) – France are fully aware that Morocco are much more than a strictly defensive team as they prepare for their unexpected World Cup semi-final clash on Wednesday.
Morocco reached the last four by beating Spain and Portugal in the knockout stages and have conceded only one goal in the tournament.
Their quick transitions and comfort in possession of the ball have been highly impressive in Qatar and there is no chance the defending champions will take anything for granted at the Al Bayt stadium.
“We have enough experience to avoid falling into this trap (of being over confident). They’ve reached that stage for a reason,” centre back Raphael Varane, France’s vice-captain, told a news conference on Monday.
“They defend very well, it will be extremely difficult. We, the leaders of the team, have to prepare all the players for another battle. It’s a World Cup semi-final, you need to give everything until the end if you want to deserve your place in the final.”
Varane knows that Walid Regragui’s team will be full of confidence.
“They’re writing Moroccan football history, they have a collective force with performances that give them a lot of confidence,” he said.
“They’re physically very fit, they’re dangerous on counter attacks and set pieces, too.”
Right back Jules Kounde, who will be tasked with containing Sofiane Boufal on the flank, does not need to be reminded of Morocco’s qualities.
“I’m not worried but we know they beat big teams to get there and we’re going to take it seriously. It’s not a surprise to see them here anymore. They deserve to be here,” he said.
“They’re very compact. They give very little time to the player who has the ball to get organised. You have to play fast and try to break their balance,” said Kounde.
“We’re well aware of their qualities. They’re very efficient with the ball, they combine very quickly to find their two wingers.
“What they have done is remarkable, only conceding an own goal, especially when you see the tams they played. We’re going to have to be very precise to score.”
The winners will face either Argentina or Croatia, who meet on Tuesday, in Sunday’s final at the Lusail stadium.
(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Ed Osmond)
