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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jamie Braidwood and Michael Jones

World Cup 2022 LIVE: Lionel Messi’s Argentina set for Qatar semi-final with Luka Modric’s Croatia

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Kylian Mbappe and France prepare for semi-final against Morocco

France are looking to overcome tournament surprises Morocco in tonight’s World Cup semi-final in Qatar - with a place in the final against Lionel Messi’s Argentina lying in wait.

Didier Deschamps’ side knocked out England in the quarter-finals on Saturday evening and are firm favourites against a Morocco side who have stunned Spain on penalties and Portugal 1-0 in the knockout phase so far, to become the first team from Africa to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup.

The winner of tonight’s match at the Al Bayt Stadium will face Argentina after the South American champions comfortably beat Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday night, with Lionel Messi scoring from the penalty spot and Julian Alvarez netting twice.

“Well, what I can say is that I am enjoying this a lot,” 35-year-old Messi said with a smile after the match. “I am feeling really good. This is what we’ve been doing in every match. The previous match was a big sacrifice and we went into extra time. That wasn’t easy. Today we were tired but we pulled our strengths to earn this victory.”

Follow updates about the build-up to the World Cup semi-final below:

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