Perhaps the most unexpected semi-final in 20 years will see France take on Morocco. Certainly few brackets would have had the African nation emerging to be a game away from the World Cup Final, but the Atlas Lions can point to some impressive wins and say “scoreboard” at this point. Many expected France to be here, but can France overcome the existential question: how can a team that does not want the ball be so good at soccer?
France got here by beating England thanks to England doing what England does and missing a penalty. That wasn’t the only factor in the result, but a late miss from Harry Kane allows us all to stand back and point and laugh at England for living up to their billing as chronic underachievers.