France hopes to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully retain the World Cup title.
France face World Cup history-makers Morocco in the World Cup semifinals on Wednesday, with Lionel Messi’s Argentina lying in wait after another dazzling performance from the diminutive magician.
The Copa America champions swept aside 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday to give the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner the chance to crown his career in style.
Defending champions France know victory against surprise package Morocco would leave them just one win away from becoming the first team in 60 years to successfully defend the trophy.
Didier Deschamps’ France are heavy favourites to win at the Al Bayt Stadium but face a team that has conceded just once in their extraordinary run to the semifinals.
France captain Hugo Lloris is desperate to avoid the whiff of complacency for a team that has become used to competing at the sharp end of tournaments.
“When a team is capable of beating Belgium, Spain and Portugal, and finish top of their group, it is because they have lots of quality on the field and undoubtedly off it too, in terms of cohesion and team spirit,” Lloris said.
