The World Cup quarterfinals are here, and one of the most anticipated fixtures of the entire tournament is about to take place. France against Morocco.
Les Bleus against the Atlas Lions.
The European powerhouse against the team that has quietly become African football’s most consistent force on the global stage.
Former Super Eagles winger John Utaka, who spent the bulk of his playing career in France, winning the Ligue 1 title with Montpellier in 2012, delivered his verdict to Brila FM.
It was clear and sharp.
“In this World Cup, France parade the best forwards,” Utaka said. “Morocco is a very dangerous side, but I think France will win. It will be a bit difficult for Morocco.”
France have been the most complete attacking side in the tournament, with goals coming from every angle.
Kylian Mbappe has been in devastating form throughout, already in the race for the Golden Boot.
Michael Olise, the Bayern Munich forward, has been the silent assassin of this France side, appearing from the shadows at crucial moments to produce something extraordinary.
Bradley Barcola has provided explosive pace and directness down the left.
Desire Doue has dazzled whenever called upon, and Ousmane Dembele continues to be one of the most unpredictable and dangerous wide players in world football.
Any one of them can change a match in a single moment.
“With the offensive strength they possess, whether it’s Barcola, Desire Doue, Dembele or Mbappe, these guys can score at any time,” Utaka said. “And at the back they have two rock solid defenders.”
That defensive foundation is just as important as the attack.
William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano have been commanding throughout the tournament, forming one of the most composed and physical centre-back partnerships in the entire competition.
France have conceded very little, and what they have given away has rarely come from their own defensive errors.
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Morocco, however, are not coming to this quarterfinal to make up the numbers.
The Atlas Lions have eliminated the Netherlands in the Round of 16, continuing the remarkable momentum that saw them reach the semi-finals at Qatar 2022.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi has built a side that is tactically disciplined, physically aggressive and capable of shutting down even the most dangerous attacks in world football.
But Utaka, a man who knows French football from the inside, has made his call.
France have the forwards. France have the defenders. And in his view, that combination is too much for Morocco to overcome.
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