Former France defender Patrice Evra has expressed his admiration for Morocco's World Cup campaign, suggesting that they have the perfect mindset to cause an upset against his former team in the quarter-finals.
Morocco have continued their fine recent World Cup record, beating the Netherlands on penalties in the round of 32 and thumping co-hosts Canada to reach the quarter-finals.
A highly anticipated rematch with France now awaits Morocco, as Didier Deschamps' side look to continue their perfect record at this World Cup.
Evra believes that Morocco have the character and fighting spirit to cause an upset and reach the semi-finals for a second successive World Cup.
‘A dark horse is not always the team with the biggest names,’ Evra said. ‘Sometimes it’s the team that is willing to suffer the most.’
Evra competed at two World Cups with France, captaining the side as they suffered a disastrous group-stage exit in 2010 before returning to the squads as they reached the quarter-finals in 2014.
He now believes that Morocco have the potential to cause an upset against France, who are spearheaded by the talented Kylian Mbappe.
‘When you have Kylian Mbappe, of course you play to his strengths,‘ Evra said. ‘But let’s be clear: you don’t win a World Cup with one player. Everyone still has to do their job.’
France would face the winner of Spain versus Belgium in the semi-finals, with a place in the final in New Jersey up for grabs.
