2 minutes Can Morocco overcome the odds again and reach the World Cup Final?
Many punters used the same flawed but valid argument in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup: France can't win it again because they did the last time!
It was an acceptable way of thinking given that the defending champions France, Spain, and subsequently, Germany all went out in the group round of the World Cups in 2010, 2014, and 2018.
World Cup holders performing well in the succeeding tournament has become rare, but this French team is greedy.
And, after defeating England 2-1 in Al Khor, they are as short as even money to become the first side to regain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962.
Their opponents in the semi-finals Morocco, the first African country in history to reach this level of the tournament, may have something to say about that.
That accomplishment is even more astounding given that their head coach, Walid Regragui, has only been in charge since August.
Regragui's appointment caused some concerns at the time, as Morocco was given odds of 300-1 to win the tournament.
Surprisingly, no side has scored more than Morocco in this competition. The lone goal conceded was an own goal against Canada, and Spain couldn't even beat them in the shootout. Having said that, Morocco has yet to face Kylian Mbappe.
Meanwhile, Croatia defied expectations to reach this level, knocking out a Brazil squad that nearly every pundit and punter had been fawning over before the tournament began.
It's been an upset-filled tournament, but France versus Argentina was the second most likely outcome in the 'identify the finalists' market, trailing only Brazil versus France at 22-1.
That is the final we expect to see; however, France will face a tougher semi-final, with Morocco providing more sting in the tail than Croatia going ahead.
Croatia's midfield is outstanding, their teenage defender Josko Gvardiol has been named one of the tournament's best, and they are a more athletic team than Argentina.
On the other hand, Argentina has only lost once in their last 41 matches - an atypical defeat to Saudi Arabia in the group stage - and they are expected to finish the job in 90 minutes.
They recovered well from their initial setback, and La Albiceleste were also the better team versus the Netherlands, with Lionel Messi looking otherworldly at times this tournament, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
This fantastic World Cup deserves a final between Messi and Mbappe!
World Cup Semi-final Odds
Argentina v Croatia
- Argentina: 10/11
- Draw: 9/4
- Croatia: 10/3
France v Morocco
- France: 1/2
- Draw: 14/5
- Morocco: 13/3
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