On the field at 20 France-Morocco, second semifinal of the World Cup.
Meanwhile Royal Air Maroc, unleashing the anger of the fans, announced the cancellation of at least seven flights scheduled today to bring fans from Casablanca to Doha on the occasion of the semi-final of the World Cup with France.
According to the national airline of Morocco - as reported by the Moroccan media - it is a decision of the Qatari authorities.
"Following the latest restrictions imposed by the Qatari authorities, Royal Air Maroc regrets informing customers of the cancellation of their flights operated by Qatar Airways," the airline said in a statement, adding that tickets will be refunded.
The airline had said in recent days that it had "scheduled 30 flights operated by wide-body aircraft for Tuesday and Wednesday".
France against the curse of the champions, we are ready
- The Morocco obstacle separates France from the possibility of dispelling the 'curse of the champions': it is since 1998, since Ronaldo's Brazil, that a reigning champion has not reached the semifinal or final and even since 1962, since Pelé's Brazil, that does not repeat success.
And if on the eve of the World Cup no one in France would have thought that the penultimate obstacle would have been the Moroccan national team, coach Didier Deschamps urges everyone not to underestimate Morocco.
One of the most prolific teams will face the most impenetrable defense in the world.
The all-Psg challenge between Mbappé and Hakimi promises to be one of the tactical keys of the match: Mbappé (like Giroud who has only one goal in hand) is in the running for the victory of the scorer classification of which he is currently in the lead,
Hakimi is probably one of the best defenders in this world cup.
"Morocco - says the 2018 world champion coach - have conceded only one goal so far, moreover from an own goal, but that does not mean that they are only strong in defense. If they were a team that only thinks about destroying the game opponent would not have reached the semifinals. I say that it is a very well organized team on the pitch and that it has people up front who know how to become dangerous".
Deschamps may not have Upamecano and Rabiot available who haven't done the finishing training session, but given the abundance of quality in the French squad, it's difficult to talk about training problems.
If they don't make it, Konaté in defense and Fofana in midfield are already ready.
On the other hand, the offensive set-up with Giroud as a point of reference is confirmed,
Mbappé, Griezmann and Dembelé behind him.
There should also be Tchouameni, who was rested on Monday after a calf injury in the quarter against England, but who has trained regularly with the rest of the squad.
Morocco dreams of the World Cup, 'we are crazy and we believe it'
- "We want to win the World Cup. Mine are not empty words, if you are not hungry in the semi-finals of the World Cup"...: Morocco coach, Walid Regragui, he does not hide his ambitions.
Today, his national team challenges reigning world champions France, a challenge within a challenge that he knows not only about football.
The millions of Moroccan fans who emigrated to Europe dream of celebrating again, Paris is on the alert, and the goal of the Qatar 2022 revelation team, the first African national team to play in a world semi-final, is to continue to surprise.
And win for "Africa and the Arab world", as his coach says.
Regragui, 47, a true revelation of this World Cup, was born in the Paris region, in Corbeil-Essonnes, and has spent almost his entire professional career in France, in Toulouse, Ajaccio or Grenoble.
Then, he took over as coach of Morocco to replace Vahid Halilhodzic at the end of August.
"I have dual nationality, it's an honor and a pleasure to meet France - he assured - it will be a special match for my relatives, my family, my friends".
And not just for them.
