France topped Group F at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with seven points from nine. Now, the French will face upstart women’s team Morocco in the round of 16.
A berth in the quarterfinals against either Australia or Denmark is on the line.
KADY ⚡️ CLARA pic.twitter.com/CEEr7BMqu4— Equipe de France Féminine (@equipedefranceF) August 6, 2023
KADY ⚡️ CLARA pic.twitter.com/CEEr7BMqu4
A nil-nil draw against Jamaica was followed by wins against Brazil and Panama for the French.
Herve Renard’s team showed some weakness in their 6-3 win over Panama on the final day of Group F.
France conceded a second-minute goal to Panama and had to fight from behind.
The French led 4-1 by halftime and never looked back against the Canal Girls.
France’s defence could be an issue going forward. They conceded four goals in two games in the group stage.
Morocco were expected to finish last in Group H after a 6-0 loss to Germany to start the group stage.
The Moroccans didn’t let the heavy defeat phase them and rebounded for a 1-0 win over South Korea and a 1-0 win over Morocco.
Manager Reynald Pedros’ team advanced at the expense of Germany, who were eliminated in the group stage.
Now, Morocco are aiming to upset one of the World Cup favourites.
Morocco do not score many goals. They are a defence-first team. They were outscored 6-2 in the group stage.
But after the 6-0 loss to Germany, Morocco kept back-to-back clean sheets.
The Lionesses of Atlas are playing in their first-ever World Cup tournament.
Progression to the quarterfinals will depend on their defending and if they can finish chances when they come.
France are heavy favourites to win the match at the end of full-time. The French have a superior squad led by captain Wendie Renard.
She is a danger on set pieces and scored in France’s 2-1 win over Brazil.
Kadidiatou Diani leads France in scoring at the Women’s World Cup with three goals. All three goals were scored in the team’s 6-3 win over Panama.
France should dominate possession. They tallied 72% of the ball against Panama and recorded 26 shots. Renard used a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Diania playing as the lone centre-forward.
Wendi Renard did not play against Panama with progression sealed to the round of 16. She will return to the starting XI along with Eugenie Le Sommer.
Le Sommer could replace Diani in the starting XI. The manager will need to consider his options ahead of the fixture.
France should ease to a big win over Morocco. The Moroccans should be overmatched, just like they were against Germany. France should post a 5-1 win.