Moroccan horde in Deschamps’ path to history

Didier Deschamps has a couple of records in his sights. He can become the first man in World Cup history to guide his side to the title twice as a manager after having lifted the trophy as captain in 1998.

Mario Zagallo of Brazil and Franz Beckenbauer of Germany have won the title both as captain and coach, but neither of them won two as a manager. Deschamps can also guide Les Bleus to becoming only the third team in history, after Italy in 1938 and Brazil in 1962, to defend the title.

Despite these records in touching distance, the 54-year-old is not losing sight of the immediate task on hand: getting past a spirited Moroccan side in the second semifinal on Wednesday at the Al Bayt Stadium.

As defending champions, France go into the match as clear favourites, but with utmost respect for their giant-killing opponents and prepared for a hostile reception from the Atlas Lions supporters.

"They're benefiting from a huge support, I've seen this and my observers have told me about. We know it's going to be extremely noisy, it's part of the context and we'll have to be ready for it," Deschamps told a news conference on Tuesday.

France captain Hugo LLoris, who won a French record 143rd cap in their quarterfinal win over England, said they had utmost respect for Morocco. "We can only have respect and admiration for what they have done, but nothing happens by chance at this level." Lloris said. "When a team is capable of beating Belgium, Spain and Portugal, and finish top of their group, it is because they have lots of quality on the field and undoubtedly off it too, in terms of cohesion and team spirit."

Having scraped past England in the quarterfinals despite being bossed in terms of key statistics, Deschamps doesn't see the need for any alteration to his game plan against Morocco, who are dangerous on the break and quick attacks.

"We want to have the ball to create danger, but you saw that in our game against Poland (in the last 16) they actually had it more than expected," said Deschamps. "We're as good as Morocco on the break and on fast attacks. We won't abandon possession, but when we will have the ball, we're going to have to make it count."

Deschamps' side have defied a glut of injuries, rumours of disharmony and the curse of the reigning champions to come this far in the tournament. Coming into the semifinals as the most convincing side of the tournament despite having key players such as N'golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Chritopher Nkunku and Lucas Hernandez out injured, speaks volumes about Les Bleus' strength in depth and of character.

Deschamps' charges are just two wins away from making history, and even if the majority of fans may wish to see Morocco emerge as winners, there will be few betting against a France victory.