World Cup Predictions 2022: Projecting Final Matchup Before Semifinal Game 2
Argentina's in.
La Albiceleste is going to be playing in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, the sixth in the country's history, after defeating Croatia 3-0 in a semifinal match on Tuesday at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar.
Lionel Messi was jubilant, his countrymen even more so.
Now, they're just waiting on their opponent.
Will it be Morocco or France?
The fairytale story or the juggernaut?
The Cinderella or the defending champion?
That burning question will be answered on Wednesday night when France takes the pitch to face Morocco.
Kylian Mbappé and Co. were expected to reach this point, while Achraf Hakimi and his brethren were not.
But none of that matters on game day. Anyone can win, and Morocco has more than proved that.
Here's quick look at the schedule for the last semifinal match, as well as the rest of the World Cup and a preview of France vs. Morocco.
World Cup TV Schedule
Wednesday, December 14
Semifinal No. 2: France vs. Morocco (2 p.m. ET, Fox)
Saturday, December 17
Third-place match (10 a.m. ET, Fox)
Sunday, December 18
World Cup Final (10 a.m. ET, Fox)
France vs. Morocco
90-Minute Money Line
France -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
Morocco +600 (bet $100 to win $600)
Draw +295
To Advance to Next Round
France -425
Morocco +320
The only countries that have been able to successfully defend their World Cup titles have been Brazil (1958, 1962) and Italy (1934, 1938).
France is trying to make it to the final to become the third team to make that exclusive list.
To get there, they'll have to go through Morocco, which has defied the odds to this point by beating other footballing powerhouses like Belgium, Portugal and Spain.
But for the Atlas Lions, Les Blues will be the ultimate test, because they have the most potent attack of any team in the entire field and are stacked from top to bottom, starting with Mbappé, who is widely considered to be the best footballer in the world and is the top goal scorer in this World Cup thus far.
All eyes will be on Mbappé, and rightfully so, but Morocco will have to not lose sight of striker Olivier Giroud, who has been phenomenal in this World Cup.
Giroud's goal against England was key to France advancing to the semis, and he'll continue to be key in helping to attack Morocco's noteworthy defense.
Through their five matches to get to this semifinal, the Atlas Lions have only allowed one goal (which was an own goal) and nine shots on target.
But what will likely hurt them is the potential absence of captain Romain Saïss.
The versatile defender went off on a stretcher in Morocco's 1-0 win over Portugal on Saturday, and without him, it will be difficult to withstand the pressure from France's potent offense.
At this point, it's no secret that the oddsmakers have France winning this semifinal and moving on to win it all.
But there are scores of soccer fans around the globe that want to see the giant fall and witness an underdog like Morocco make history.
That would be the feel-good story of the year.
Unfortunately, France has other plans, and they have the best chance of seeing them through.
Prediction: France 3, Morocco 1
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook