FIFA World Cup: Big blow for Morocco ahead of France quarter-final as Ismael Saibari sent off
Ismael Saibari leaves the field after getting injured in the Round of 16 match against Canada. (AP photo) Morocco’s hopes of ending France’s World Cup title struggles suffered a major setback as forward Ismael Saibari pulled out of Thursday’s sensational quarter-final with a hamstring injury.Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed on the eve of the match that the PSV Eindhoven star has failed to recover after picking up the injury during Morocco’s 3-0 Round of 16 win over Canada, depriving the Atlas Lions of one of their most influential players for the biggest game of their campaign.“He’s not ready, but I hope it’s not the end of the tournament for him,” Ouahbi told reporters.Saibari was one of Morocco’s standout players at the tournament, scoring in all three group stage matches before converting the decisive penalty in a shootout win over the Netherlands in the round of 32. His absence leaves a big hole in Morocco’s attack as they attempt to upset two-time world champions France and reach a second straight World Cup semi-final.
Ouahbi refuses to change Morocco’s approach
Despite losing one of his key attacking weapons, Ouahbi insisted Morocco will not abandon the style of play that took them to the last eight.“When it comes to the build-up to the game, there are no surprises. I have nothing to hide. I am not someone who is interested in surprises and those of you who have analyzed our games know that we have a clear idea of how we want to play,” he said.The Moroccan coach stressed that patience in possession and intelligent movement will be essential against Didier Deschamps’ side.“Obviously the key will be to hurt them when we have possession, but it’s not just on the wings. We have to be patient with the ball and look for where we can go through the sides or through the middle. We’ve proven we can hurt any team and that’s the goal,” he added.The quarter-finals are a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-finals where France ended Morocco’s historic run with a 2-0 victory. However, Ouahbi believes both teams have evolved considerably since then.“Every game is different. We have a different team and we will face a different French team than four years ago,” he said.Ouahbi rejected suggestions that just reaching the quarter-finals should satisfy his players, adding: “France may be favourites, but we will do everything to win. Being at this stage is not a bonus. Winning the World Cup is a bonus.”
France await another deep World Cup run
France enter the Foxborough clash with a perfect five-game record and are aiming for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup semi-final appearance. Kylian Mbappe led the charge with seven goals, while Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola completed a formidable attack.Deschamps warned against underestimating Morocco despite Saibari’s absence.“We met them four years ago in the semi-finals. They’re a really great, outstanding team with top-notch individuals. They’re not here to play. They’re there to win,” he said.The French coach also dismissed concerns about the off-pitch controversy surrounding Mbappe, insisting that “Kylian is fine… He’s just focused on tomorrow’s game.”Morocco, unbeaten in 10 matches since the Africa Cup of Nations final in January, are still chasing a first-ever victory over France after four defeats and two draws in their previous six meetings. The winners will face Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals.