It's a clash very few would have predicted at the beginning of the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar. But now that it is here, the world can't wait for France v Morocco in a mouth-watering semi-final showdown tonight.
Didier Deschamps's defending champions and title favourites face African history-makers Morocco in what is expected to be one of the most watched games of the finals.
Route to the semi-final
France defeated England on Saturday to book their place in the last-four and are looking to become the first team in 60 years to retain the trophy. However, they have to first overcome fierce resistance from the surprise package of the tournament Morocco – the first African nation to reach this far.
After finishing top of a group that also included Croatia, Belgium and Canada, Morocco then beat Spain and Portugal to reach the semi-finals.
That has led to a huge outpouring of support from across the Arab world and Africa.
The African side's defence has been watertight, conceding only once – an own goal against Canada – in their five matches so far. That fighting mentality has won Morocco many fans.
“We are now becoming the team that everyone loves in this World Cup because we are showing that even if you don’t have as much talent and money then you can succeed,” said manager Walid Regragui.
“We have made our people and our continent so happy and proud. When you watch Rocky, you want to support Rocky Balboa and I think we are the Rocky of this World Cup. I think now the world is with Morocco.”
Fixture
France v Morocco World Cup 2022 semi-final takes place on Wednesday, December 14, from 11pm UAE time (10pm local time).
Where will the match take place?
The semi-final will be held at the Al Bayt Stadium. The tent-shaped venue has a capacity of over 60,000 and is set to dominated by Morocco supporters.
Players to watch
Kylian Mbappe has arguably been the player of the tournament. Morocco's defence is set for their toughest test, up against the tournament's leading scorer Mbappe (five goals) and Olivier Giroud (four) plus Antoine Griezmann, who was in great form in their quarter-final win over England.
Their opponents will rely on Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech for their top-level experience. Also, Dutch-born Sofyan Amrabat has emerged as a powerful midfield enforcer and should pose the French problems.
How to watch semi-final in UAE?
The World Cup 2022 is being shown live on beIN Sports. For those who want to enjoy the game in a different ambeience, there are a number of other options.
In Abu Dhabi, fans can head to VOX Cinemas to watch the game live. Also, there is the Abu Dhabi fan zone at Yas Links and the Emirates Palace fan zone - just a few of many great settings.
Dubai fans too are spoilt for choice. You can enjoy the game game from the comforts of Expo City fan zone, JBR Football Village, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, and similar such venues.
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
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