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With 14 goals in 5 games, France has one of the most dangerous attacks in the World cup. Following their 3-0 against Iraq, 3-1 against Senegal, 4-1 against Norway, 3-0 against Sweden, Les Bleus announced themselves as an irrepressible attacking machine. In these matches, France’s storied attacking line was brutishly effective in dismantling and punishing the opposing defenses.
However, the match against Paraguay showed another reality. France won 1-0, yes without looking vulnerable or conceding territory but also without really flowing or impressing. They shot 15 times, of which 5 were on target 5 shots; they earned 12 corners and multiplied crosses. Their game produced a lot of volume, but also little clarity in the final meters.
This is where Morocco must build its plan, not dominating France in possession but denying them comfort. This means leaving no spaces behind the defense, cracking down on easy transitions, staying alert to avoid critical ball losses down the middle, and explosive, overcommitted intensity in the first half hour.
When French’s full-back Malo Gusto and Theo Hernàndez push forward, they leave exploitable gaps on the flanks that Ouahbi can use to score or create a series of dangerous actions that can either stun France or limit their offensive fluency.
Also, there is often a gap between French midfielders and defenders. This tends to disconnect the midfield line from the back four, which can allow Morocco to receive the ball between lines.
Last but not least, Morocco’s defense must be at its full mental and strength and physical readiness to ride up to the occasion and produce doubts and extra-caution in France’s transition phases.
The consensus among observers of this World Cup is that France has the tournament’s best team on paper. But no team is unbeatable. And if the Atlas Lions have proven anything over the past four years, it is that they can beat anyone.
