The Herve Renard-coached French Women’s National Team will take on Africa’s remaining representative at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Morocco, this afternoon for a place in the quarterfinals.
France qualified for the knockout stage after finishing first in Group F, while Morocco qualified ahead of Germany, in second place in Group H.
The Atlas Lionesses lost their first game 6-0 to Germany but bounced back with a win over South Korea before finishing their group stage campaign with a famous 1-0 victory over Colombia.
France, on the other hand, began with a 0-0 draw with Jamaica before going on to defeat Brazil and Panama 2-1 and 6-3, respectively, to win Group F.
French coach Herve Renard warned his team not to underestimate their opponents in a press conference ahead of the game.
“The most important thing is that we respect our opponents and the fact that this is a last-16 tie at a World Cup; Morocco are not here by chance. This is a match of the same caliber as our game against Brazil; we respect them, but we are focused on ourselves,” he told Journalists during a pre-match press conference.
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Renard was in charge of the Morocco Men’s team for three years and took them to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
“Even when we have a kickabout with friends, we want to win, and we are here to win and qualify for the next round,” he said.
“There will be just one French coach left in the quarterfinals. I hope it will be me.”
The winner between the two sides will face co-hosts, Australia in the quarterfinal stage.
