Romain Saiss starts for Morocco against France in FIFA World Cup semifinal; subbed off in 20th minute

Saiss’ inclusion in the Morocco side was doubtful after a hamstring injury in the quarterfinal but he was named in the starting 11 against France.

Morocco’s defender Romain Ghanem Saiss took part in a training session on the eve of the semifinal match between France and Morocco. | Photo Credit: AFP

Morocco captain and defender Romain Saiss was named in the starting lineup against France in the semifinal of the FIFA World Cup.

The defender was expected to miss the game after he was stretchered off the field in the African side’s quarterfinal against Portugal with a hamstring injury.

Achraf Dari replaced Saiss in that match and was expected to be included today. Dari, however, was named as a last minute replacement for Nayef Aguerd who was named in the starting lineup but could not take the field.

Saiss’ inclusion will be a huge boost for Morocco as he has been a pivotal figure in the side’s defensive set-up. The African side has conceded just one goal so far in the tournament. That too was an own goal and no opponent has scored against the team. \

The move, however, backfired as Saiss could not last in the game past the 20th minute. He was replaced by Amallah.

The inclusion of the injured defenders gives a hint of the Walid Regragui’s attempt to guide Morocco to a historic final. It is already the first African side to reach the semifinal of the World Cup.

In the other camp, France’s midfielder Adien Rabiot missed out on the game after suffering from illness. Defender Dayot Upamecano too was ruled out of the semifinal.

The winner of the match between France and Morocco will play Argentina in the final on December 18.

France vs Morocco - Starting 11

France - Hugo Lloris (GK (c), Jules Kounde, Raphael Varane, Ibrahima Konate, Theo Hernandez, Antoine Griezmann, Aurelien Tchouameni, Youssouf Fofana, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe

Morocco - Yassine Bounou (GK), Achraf Hakimi, Jawad El Yamiq, Nayef Aguerd, Romain Saiss (c), Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat, Hakim Ziyech, Azzedine Ounahi, Soufiane Boufal, Youssef En-Nesyri