Impressive Group Stage For France
There is a reason France is a massive -715 favorite at 888sport Tuesday. They are one of the best teams left in the competition and have been in the last 16 at the very least in four straight World Cups. Les Bleus finished at the top of Group F with two wins and a draw, beating Brazil and Panama convincingly while settling for a lone point against Jamaica, who moved on alongside them.
Matchday three last Wednesday was extremely impressive, taking down the Panamanians by a score of 6-3. Kadidiatou Diani led the way with a hat trick, with two of her goals coming from the penalty spot. Maelle Lakrar, Vicki Becho, and Lea Le Garrec all found the back of the net as well. Although the French didn’t look great against Jamaica, they surely responded in their final two group stage fixtures and undoubtedly come into Tuesday with the utmost confidence. With the United States out, there’s no reason France can’t make a deep run.
Morocco Following Suit
Remember when the Morocco men made a Cinderella run to the semifinals of the World Cup back in December? Well, their women’s program is evidently following suit. The debutants were certainly humbled in the tournament opener in a 6-0 loss to Germany, but the African outfit didn’t give up. While both wins over South Korea and Colombia were just 1-0 scorelines, it still added up to six points. That’s what really counts. The Colombians were fresh off a heroic victory over Germany and were certainly riding a high but Morocco stopped them in their tracks. Anissa Lahmari scored the eventual winner in injury time of the first half to secure her side’s place in the knockout stages.
Sure, goals are few and far between for the Moroccans. Nevertheless, this squad has guts and has no shortage of motivation to make even more history on the women’s side. In fact, they’re only the second African country to make the Round of 16 in their debut tournament. Not bad for a massive underdog a most soccer betting sites.
Injury News
France captain Wendie Renard and all-time leading scorer Eugenie Le Sommer were both rested on matchday three, but they will definitely be in Herve Renard’s starting XI Tuesday. Lakrar meanwhile, who is a mainstay at the back, could be on the bench due to a thigh injury. As for Morocco, they look to be at full strength.
