You know how it is. Some foreigners come to your backyard like they own the place and steamroll over everything: freedom, language, culture, livelihoods… On the other hand [cleans and places monocle] the very ingratitude. This used to be a handful of huts populated by barefoot and unwashed masses. You have Whitey to thank for this shithole country using shampoo on the regular and other whiffs of civility.

So there may have been a lil’ friction between today’s nations. To the Wiki P!

In 1956 Morocco gained its independence from France and Spain. In the World Cup, Morocco eliminated Spain in the Round of 16 and dispatched the rest of the Iberian Peninsula* in the Quarterfinals.

Now it’s France’s turn.

* Don’t @ndorr@ at me, k?

France is the current World Champion. At this World Cup, it has been the best team in the tournament. Or no worse than the second, with the first being the Argentina version that destroyed Croatia yesterday. Per reports, the Alternate Reality 2022 Semifinal between Brasil and Argentina was monumental. But no. In this world, Croatia outlasted Brasil because plodding, tough teams (physically and mentally), always have a chance in international fútbol.

International fútbol is full of maddening and dull champions: that substitute Denmark team, Paraguay has won twice, Greece… All champions, but continental tournament champions.

Obligatory:

Via youtube

The World Cup, no. Mundial champions are the usual giants. Plus that one time the Yo-Yo Spaniards left a trail of tWBSs in the 2010 South Africa knockouts. So there. Morocco will never have that Spain team’s time of possession, but they have been shutdown on D.

In this World Cup, Morocco has allowed only one goal: an autogol in the game against Canada. The rest are clean sheets against Croatia (good), Belgium (2-0!), Spain (very good), and Portugal (GTFO!). And Morocco has a stud at goalkeeper for penalties, if it comes to that. Bono, the only Bono in my bubble, is a badass on the pitch and a true mensch.

My apologies to the Canadian contingent for the Bono love.

Morocco is riding a giant wave of support: first African nation in a Mundial semifinal. And the first Arab nation semifinalist AND the only Arab nation left in the Arab World Cup. Should be noted: the huge number of Palestinian flags that have been flown around World Cupp proceedings, including games. (That should bring solace to folks who turned away from this Mundial on moral grounds, but also hurt when there is injustice anywhere.) So this World Cup has consolidated solidarity among Arab nations, but Morocco ensured that support should start from home. Moroccan players were allowed to bring family members with them and most brought their moms. Say what you will about Pan-Arab solidarity: Morocco’s triumphant run exemplifies the power of nagging. I want Morocco to win it all.

As to France, yeesh. They stacked. They have been a wonder to watch. Antoine Griezmann is playing like he was 24 again and Olivier Giroud is in top form. And Mbappé, and Dembele, and Varane… Woof. Another advantage for Morocco is their world-class right back, Achraf Hakimi, is Mbappé’s teammate at PSG. I trust Maroc to have a Patriots-style debriefing team for the game.

Predicción: I will be watching intently, and should’ve bought more tahini for the hummus Imma attempt right now.