LOS ANGELES, United States, July 9, (v7n) – France take on Morocco on Thursday in a blockbuster World Cup quarter-final showdown as the largest and most logistically complex edition of the footballing showpiece ever staged enters its decisive phase.

After a month of spellbinding action that has produced 280 goals in 96 matches, the expanded 48-team field has been whittled down to eight sides dreaming of lifting the trophy at the July 19 final in East Rutherford.

France, the tournament's outstanding side so far, kick off the quarter-finals against African champions Morocco at Gillette Stadium near Boston—a rematch of their 2022 World Cup semi-final meeting.

A defeat would mark the end of the road for France coach Didier Deschamps, who is stepping down after a successful 14-year reign. Deschamps, one of only three men to win the World Cup as both player and coach, said Wednesday he is paying little attention to his legacy: "I am not thinking about that at all. I am focused on this Morocco team and on things going well for us."

Deschamps dismissed concerns over Argentinian referee Facundo Tello's appointment, saying: "There are always decisions that can lead to debate depending on which side you are on, but our opponents are Morocco. I can't consider the referee to be an opponent."

Morocco, coached by Mohamed Ouahbi, boast a potent mix of technical quality, physicality, and tactical nous. "They are a very, very good team with excellent players—they aren't here by accident," Deschamps added. "It's going to be a clash between two teams that like to have possession, attack, and score goals."

The winner will face Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals. Spain, who have not conceded a single goal and eliminated Portugal in the last 16, face Belgium—who dismantled the United States 4-1—in Los Angeles on Friday.

On the other side of the draw, holders Argentina face Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday after staggering into the quarters. Lionel Messi inspired a jaw-dropping comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2, with the 39-year-old saying: "We didn't want today to be the end, we didn't want to go home."

The winner of that tie will face either Norway or England, who clash in Miami on Saturday. England advanced with a pulsating 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico, while Norway—led by Erling Haaland, who scored both goals in their last-16 win over Brazil—stand in their way.

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