news World Cup 2022: reaction to Messi’s magic and buildup to France v Morocco semi-final – live | World Cup 2022

Key eventsShow key events onlyPlease turn on JavaScript to use this featureAssociated Press have had people out and about in Rabat ahead of tonight's match talking to people about

their feelings as Morocco face France.Hind Sabouni, a 26-year-old English teacher in Morocco's capital said “This game is one of a kind, especially since France is next to beat.

We can show the rest of the world that Morocco is no longer France's back yard.”Sabouni said her generation of Moroccans is tired of France's dominance. Young Moroccans, she

said, “speak English instead of French, they buy more American products than French ones and even those who want to seek a better life abroad try to avoid France.”“Even

though this is just a football game, some people view it as an opportunity for revenge,” Sabouni said.But not everyone.Kenza Bartali, a communications professional in Rabat, sees

no political overtones to the match. She obtained her masters degree in France, and lived for two years in Paris and the southern cities of Nice and Toulon between 2016 and 2018.

She made “wonderful friends” who are still her friends today. “Most Moroccan students were treated with respect,” the 26-year-old said.Still, there is no doubt which team

she's supporting.“I sincerely hope that Morocco advances to the final,” Bartali said. “I am aware that it will be difficult because France is a very good team, but we are

hoping for the best.”A shopkeeper selling football memorabilia in Morocco's capital Rabat. Photograph: Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty ImagesIf you need your inner football nerd needs

scratching, then have no fear, because the Knowledge is here with the answer to questions like “Which team won the World Cup with the longest pre-tournament odds?”, “Who are

the top-ranked club side globally to not have any World Cup players in Qatar?”, “Which footballer has turned the least successful playing career into a successful punditry

career?” and “What is the largest animal you believe you could catch if it was fired directly at you from a cannon at a distance of thirty meters?”OK, maybe not the last one.

Get your answers here.I've got a lot of time for Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic's comments after the match last night, as reported by Reuters:I have nothing to blame the boys for, now

we have to raise our heads and get ready for the game that awaits us. If someone had offered us this before the tournament, we would have accepted it. We are really proud.Croatia's

head coach Zlatko Dalić reacts during the semi-final last night. Photograph: Martin Meissner/APClub football is beginning to intrude. Erik ten Hag has said he does not know when