Morocco is sensationally in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Defending champions France are now waiting there. It will be a very special game for Achraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappé.
The quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar between France and England (2-1) had hardly been whistled when Achraf Hakimi spoke up on social networks. “See you soon my friend“Wrote the Moroccan, provided with a heart, two shaking hands – and an addressee: Kylian Mbappé, Hakimi’s teammate in Paris St Germain.
Direct duel between Hakimi and Mbappé
The 24-year-old’s message referred to the World Cup semi-final between Morocco and France (December 14, 2022, 8 p.m.). Then there is a direct duel between Hakimi, the right-back of the “Lions of Atlas”, and Mbappé, the left winger of the “blues“. A clash between two of the tournament’s top stars in Qatar.
Morocco’s defense almost insurmountable
Hakimi is one of the leaders in Morocco, the first World Cup semi-finalist from Africa – he is a top performer anyway. As a full-back, he also ensures that his team only conceded a goal at the 2022 World Cup – an own goal in the preliminary round against Canada. So far, Morocco has the best defense of all 32 teams in Qatar.
It wasn’t always the case that Hakimi was so strong defensively. During his time at Borussia Dortmund (2018 to 2020), the Madrid-born professional already showed that he is an absolute gem and has everything for the offensive: speed, agility, technique as well as good passing and crossplay. At that time he acted more like a winger than a defender, he also liked to neglect the defensive.
Hakimi has matured into one of the world’s best right-backs
This deficit may also have been due to his youth, he switched to BVB on loan from Real Madrid at the age of 19. The Hakimi from 2022 also convinces defensively – by anticipating game situations, good positional play and strength in duels. However, he has retained his offensive weapons.
You can tell: At Inter Milan (2020/2021), but above all in Paris. St. Germain (since summer 2021), he has matured into one of the world’s best right-backs. His package is now complete.
Hakimi also came up trumps again in the sensational 1-0 win of the Moroccans in the World Cup quarter-finals against Portugal and played his part in reaching the semi-finals.
First the “Panenka“, then the “penguin“
But there is one other scene that will be remembered from the tournament so far: In the round of 16 against Spain (0:0, 3:0 pens) he scored the decisive penalty in what was probably the biggest game in his country’s history up to that point. All eyes were on him at that moment. And what did Hakimi do? He lobbed the ball in”Panenka manner” calmly in the middle of the goal to then score his goal with the “Penguin Dance” to celebrate. More coolness is not possible.
With this special kind of joy, Hakimi recalled a rehearsed celebration with Sergio Ramos, his team-mate at Paris St. Germain. After the announcement of the Spanish World Cup squad, Hakimi criticized the fact that Ramos had not been nominated via social networks. Now he was allowed to seal Spain’s World Cup – probably a special satisfaction.
Mbappé with a strong record
In the round of the top four, it is now against another player from Paris, Mbappé. The 23-year-old is one of the top stars of the 2022 World Cup so far. The French left winger is a man of superlatives: he combines incredible dynamism with excellent technique and an outstanding finish. Mbappé has already scored five goals after five games in the Gulf state and prepared two more goals.
Kyle Walker shows how it’s done
After his strong performances in the group stage and in the French round of 16 against Poland (3-1), the big question was: can Mbappé be stopped at all? In the quarterfinals against England, however, the exceptional attacker was shown his limits. The right-back of the “Three Lions‘, Kyle Walker, largely had the winger under control and showed how to play against Mbappé.
Walker’s game should also be a blueprint for Hakimi. This includes anticipating game situations, i.e. anticipating actions in advance, and not giving the French winger any room to show off his athleticism.
Should Mbappé have the ball, Hakimi must first try not to let his opponent “turn it up”. He has to block the way to the Moroccan Gate. Then his teammates are also asked. The Moroccan defense must work in tandem to stop Mbappé and the French offensive.
The duel of two friends
Of course, Hakimi knows all this, after all, he knows Mbappé very well. The two have been teammates for almost a year and a half – and friends.
That’s why it will be a very special duel for both of them. And even with Mbappé, the anticipation is great. He answered Hakimi’s message on social media simply but meaningfully: with three hearts.