Nayef Aguerd reportedly told his West Ham United teammates before the World Cup that Morocco would play France in the semi-finals.
Morocco have been the dark horse at this year’s World Cup after becoming the first African country to reach the final four in the competition's history. The Atlas Lions topped Group F ahead of Croatia, Belgium and Canada before knocking out Spain and Portugal in the knockout stages.
Their run has shocked world football but it will come as no surprise to Hammers defender Aguerd. According to L’Equipe, via Get French Football News, the Moroccan told Alphonse Areola and the rest of the French players in the West Ham squad: “We’ll get through the groups and we’ll see you in the semi-finals or the final, that’s for sure.”
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Aguerd has had a frustrating start to life at West Ham after an ankle injury ruled him out for the first three months of the season. The 26-year-old would eventually make his Irons debut in the Europa Conference League against Silkeborg and has so far played four times for the club.
After starting in all three group games, Aguerd suffered a huge blow in the last 16 tie against Spain after picking up a thigh injury. The injury left him sidelined for Morocco’s 1-0 win in the quarters against Portugal on Saturday and the West Ham centre-back is a doubt for the semi-final meeting with France.
Meanwhile, Alphonse Areola is the only French goalkeeper yet to feature at the World Cup. Hugo Lloris has played in four of the five games so far and Rennes shot-stopper Steve Mandanda was selected for the final group game against Tunisia.
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