- What: Argentina vs. Croatia, 2022 FIFA World Cup - Semifinals
- When: Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. EST
- Where: Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar
- How to watch: Peacock (ESP), Fox Sports (EN), Telemundo
Only four teams remain in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as the stage for the semifinals is set. France is set to take on Morocco on Wednesday, December 14 in hopes of reaching the finals of the World Cup in Qatar. Morocco has been perhaps the biggest surprise of the entire World Cup, having defeated Spain, Portugal and Belgium en route to the semifinals. We're going to be making some France vs. Morocco picks for Wednesday's action.
Before we dive into the France vs. Morocco World Cup picks, make sure to take a look at our soccer betting guide in order to get all the tips and tricks you need. Additionally, check out our World Cup betting guide which has plenty of useful information.
France vs. Morocco Odds
Entering the game, Morocco will once again be major underdogs in their World Cup matchup. Morocco (+600) is considered a vast long shot to take down France (-195) in regulation. A draw at 90 minutes comes in with odds of (+310). The spread is sitting at -1 in favor of France (-110), while the total suggests a low-scoring game is on the horizon with the total set for 2.0 goals, leaning towards over 2.0 (-138).
France Best Bets
France has been led in the tournament by the play of Kylian Mbappe, but the superstar winger was held in check in the quarterfinals by England's Kyle Walker. It was Olivier Giroud and Aurelien Tchouameni who supplied the goals for France, who advanced to the semifinals after Harry Kane sent an equalizing penalty buzzing over the bar. Now, they'll look to end Morocco's stunning run in order to book their ticket to the World Cup Finals once again.
The reigning World Cup champs, France has managed to take down every obstacle thrown their way this tournament. Morocco will present a unique challenge, however. Morocco is more than happy to concede possession in hopes of playing quality defense and launching a devastating counter-attack of their own. In their win over Portugal, Morocco had just 27 percent of the possession.
While France figures to dominate the ball, they'll need to figure out how to crack the Morocco defense that has only conceded one goal (an own goal) at the 2022 World Cup. France has scored two or more goals in all but one game at the World Cup, showcasing their elite ability to finish in the attacking third. Morocco's defense will be challenged against France, who could look to take a lead through the air via the head of Olivier Giroud.
The first bet I'm going to be targeting in this game is Olivier Giroud to score a goal. While Mbappe typically plays the hero for France, I have a feeling they will be relying on a cross into the box and Giroud's uncanny ability to play a ball out of the air in order to beat Bounou in the net. Giroud has had some outstanding goalscoring chances via crosses from his teammates, and I'm expecting him to score his fifth goal of the tournament on Wednesday.
While I expect Giroud to be on the finishing end of a goal on Wednesday, I don't foresee an abundance of opportunities for either side. I think it will take a while for either team to find its footing offensively, and because of that, my second pick for the game is First Half Total Goals Under 1.0 (-148).
Morocco Best Bets
Morocco has been the tournament's underdog darlings, but I don't envision they'll be able to upend France and reach the World Cup Final. Morocco has used its defensive excellence to stun teams in low-scoring victories, but France will be prepared for that game plan heading into Wednesday's matchup. While France figures to dominate possession, they will be extremely wary of a potential counter-attack from Morocco.
Morocco will absolutely be playing to bring this game to extra time. If they can keep the game scoreless for 9o minutes, that will be a huge win for the team. Getting to penalty shootouts would be the best-case scenario for Morocco, as Bounou has looked virtually unstoppable in those moments. France has yet to be tested in such a manner during their World Cup run this year.
Because I expect Morocco to be playing so defensively throughout the 90 minutes of regulation, I am not expecting them to score a goal. They'll be doing everything in their power to keep France off the scoresheet, and that means sacrificing some offense. I'm expecting a low-scoring game that's decided during the second half, if not during extra time. Because of that, my final bet for this game is Morocco Team Total Under 0.5 goals (-130).
Before diving into the World Cup betting action, make sure to check out our top sportsbook reviews in order to find the best site that matches all of your betting needs.
-
EXCLUSIVE BONUS
50% bonus up to $250Play NowT&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
50% bonus up to $1000Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
EXCLUSIVE BONUS 125% up to $3,125Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
50% up to $500Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
100% up to $1,000Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
