Former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has said that the semifinal tie between France and Morocco at Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup is an open contest for the two teams.
Despite tipping France as the favourite to go through, the former Bordeaux of France defender said, the result of the match is too close to be predicted.
“Yes, we are rooting for this match,” Rohr told NationSport.“ France is a favourite but this can be sometimes difficult to assume.
“Morocco play defence and with their wonderful goalkeeper, it will be difficult to beat. France can win on its collective football and strong offensive department in the team.”
The former Bayern Munich defender further highlighted the key points for both teams: “Morocco I think will continue to play in the same spirit coming from the big defence everybody has been putting together and everybody is attacking together in the box which is very close.
“So, it this not easy to come through on the wings while the French team will try with Ousmane Démbele and Kylian Mbappe to deliver the crosses and the decisive passes for Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann. Griezman in the free role of a playmaker, he is doing very well.
He added: “The defensive midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni and also Jules Koundé, the two are born in having been educated in the same academy. Also, we are happy to see them there and this is a game where you never know how it can finish because it is an open game to go to the final as they have nothing to lose.
“The Morocco team can only win if they go out and it is still a fantastic result for them and they are really free to play. But in France, everybody is waiting that the French team will win it and go to the final again.”
Meanwhile, Rohr has advised the French government to put security in place in order to curtail the outpouring of emotions after the game given the close affinities between both countries.
“I think tomorrow night (today), the French government should be prepared for a lot of people to control while the policemen should be ready as well,” he counselled.“ The match against England was a fantastic game but this one will be different and with a lot of suspense.”
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
