Morocco to face France in World Cup semi-final
France face World Cup history-makers Morocco in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, with Lionel Messi's Argentina lying in wait after another dazzling performance from the diminutive magician.
The Copa America champions swept aside 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday to give the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner the chance to crown his career in style, AFP reported.
Defending champions France know victory against surprise package Morocco would leave them just one win away from becoming the first team in 60 years to successfully defend the trophy.
Didier Deschamps' France are heavy favourites to win at the Al Bayt Stadium but face a team that have conceded just once in their extraordinary run to the semi-finals.
France captain Hugo Lloris is desperate to avoid the whiff of complacency for a team who have become used to competing at the sharp end of tournaments.
Deschamps' team are closing in on a third World Cup triumph in seven tournaments but will be aware that no team have retained the World Cup since Pele's Brazil side performed the feat in 1962.
The world champions are unlikely to have it all their own way against a tough Morocco team.
They topped a group containing Croatia and Belgium before beating Spain on penalties and then dumping Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal out of the tournament.
Morocco are the first African side and the first Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup.