ShareIn a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, France take on Morocco for a chance to move within two wins of glory in North America.By Ross KilvingtonKylian Mbappé was France’s saviour once more against ParaguayFrance might not have been at their free-flowing best against Paraguay in the Round of 16, but a penalty from Kylian Mbappé saw Didier Deschamp’s men move into the quarter-finals.Not content with letting the French play to their strengths, the Paraguayans turned to some questionable tactics in order to stifle their attack – and it nearly paid off.The South Americans committed 13 fouls throughout the game, while finishing the 90 minutes having enjoyed just 24% possession, yet only lost 1-0. Mbappé’s spot kick proving enough to seal the win.As such, the Real Madrid man reached seven goals for the tournament so far and he will be determined to become the first man ever to win the Golden Boot back-to-back.France are peaking nicely heading into this quarter-final tie against Morocco and a repeat of their 2-0 win at the semi-final stage in Qatar would set them a clash against either Spain or Belgium in the final four here.Morocco eyeing another World Cup semi-finalThe Moroccans endured a tricky start against Canada in the Round of 16, as the co-hosts came close to breaking the deadlock on several occasions.Whatever Mohamed Ouahbi said at the break, however, worked a treat. Azzedine Ounahi scored just five minutes after the restart, before adding another on the 82nd minute.Soufiane Rahimi capped off a delightful second half display with the third goal, moving the Atlas Lions into another World Cup quarter-final.In 2022, Morocco edged out Portugal to become the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. In order to defeat the French, Ouahbi’s men will need to deliver their best performance of the tournament to date.Judging by the way this World Cup has gone so far, don’t be surprised to see shock in Boston on Thursday evening.Team newsDeschamps is unlikely to make any changes ahead of this quarter-final clash. Aurélien Tchouaméni could remain absent for the 2018 winners, which means Manu Koné retains his position at the heart of the midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot.Ouabhi has bigger problems, though. Star man Ismael Saibari was taken off early against Canada due to a hamstring issue, being replaced by Rahimi. The latter could well be awarded a start against the French.Elsewhere, Chadi Riad remains a doubt after also being subbed against Canada. As such, expect Redouane Halhal to step in.Predicted Morocco starting XIPredictionThe matches certainly aren’t getting any easier for France, especially as Morocco appear to be pulling it all together at precisely the right time.With Mbappé adding another goal to his tally in the previous game, his confidence will be sky high so expect him to create plenty of problems for the Morocco backline.This one will be a close affair, no doubt about that. In the end though, France will edge it 2-1 and move into the semi-finals for the third successive World Cup.(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow all the games from the World Cup on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.In a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, France take on Morocco for a chance to move within two wins of glory in North America.By Ross KilvingtonKylian Mbappé was France’s saviour once more against ParaguayFrance might not have been at their free-flowing best against Paraguay in the Round of 16, but a penalty from Kylian Mbappé saw Didier Deschamp’s men move into the quarter-finals.Not content with letting the French play to their strengths, the Paraguayans turned to some questionable tactics in order to stifle their attack – and it nearly paid off.The South Americans committed 13 fouls throughout the game, while finishing the 90 minutes having enjoyed just 24% possession, yet only lost 1-0. Mbappé’s spot kick proving enough to seal the win.As such, the Real Madrid man reached seven goals for the tournament so far and he will be determined to become the first man ever to win the Golden Boot back-to-back.France are peaking nicely heading into this quarter-final tie against Morocco and a repeat of their 2-0 win at the semi-final stage in Qatar would set them a clash against either Spain or Belgium in the final four here.Morocco eyeing another World Cup semi-finalThe Moroccans endured a tricky start against Canada in the Round of 16, as the co-hosts came close to breaking the deadlock on several occasions.Whatever Mohamed Ouahbi said at the break, however, worked a treat. Azzedine Ounahi scored just five minutes after the restart, before adding another on the 82nd minute.Soufiane Rahimi capped off a delightful second half display with the third goal, moving the Atlas Lions into another World Cup quarter-final.In 2022, Morocco edged out Portugal to become the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. In order to defeat the French, Ouahbi’s men will need to deliver their best performance of the tournament to date.Judging by the way this World Cup has gone so far, don’t be surprised to see shock in Boston on Thursday evening.Team newsDeschamps is unlikely to make any changes ahead of this quarter-final clash. Aurélien Tchouaméni could remain absent for the 2018 winners, which means Manu Koné retains his position at the heart of the midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot.Ouabhi has bigger problems, though. Star man Ismael Saibari was taken off early against Canada due to a hamstring issue, being replaced by Rahimi. The latter could well be awarded a start against the French.Elsewhere, Chadi Riad remains a doubt after also being subbed against Canada. As such, expect Redouane Halhal to step in.Predicted Morocco starting XIPredictionThe matches certainly aren’t getting any easier for France, especially as Morocco appear to be pulling it all together at precisely the right time.With Mbappé adding another goal to his tally in the previous game, his confidence will be sky high so expect him to create plenty of problems for the Morocco backline.This one will be a close affair, no doubt about that. In the end though, France will edge it 2-1 and move into the semi-finals for the third successive World Cup.(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow all the games from the World Cup on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.