France vs Morocco Predictions, Odds, and Picks: Diani Strikes Gold in Round of 16

The 2023 Women's World Cup Round of 16 wraps up on Tuesday as France look to build on an unbeaten group stage against a Morocco team that dragged themselves off the mat after a disastrous start Down Under.

The French attack exploded into life on Wednesday in a 6-3 win over Panama to seal the top spot in Group F, sparked by Kadidiatou Diani’s hat-trick, and they’ve improved with each outing after a goalless draw in their opening contest.

The Moroccans’ qualification chances were bleak on the heels of a 6-0 rout against Germany in their opener, but back-to-back 1-0 victories helped them squeeze into the knockout rounds in their first World Cup appearance.

Read on for our free France vs. Morocco betting picks ahead of this August 8 showdown.

France vs Morocco odds

France		Morocco
-600	Moneyline	+1,200
+650	Draw	+650
Over 3.5 (+120)	Total	Under 3.5 (-163)

Odds courtesy of bet365 as of August 7, 2023.

France vs Morocco picks and predictions

With double-digit shots in their first two group games but only two goals, it was only a matter of time before the French forwards started cashing in on their scoring chances. Everything clicked in the final group contest — and the Panama defense was on the receiving end.

Diani grabbed the spotlight that night with a hat-trick, including two penalties — her first goals of the tournament but perhaps just the start of a hot streak. 

On Tuesday, I see Diani continuing where she left off against Panama. France had 26 shots in that game, with 10 on target, and Diani thrived in a lone striker role.

Morocco have tightened up defensively after being rocked by a ruthless German attack, recording consecutive clean sheets, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that their struggles in that group-stage opener could resurface against a team of France’s caliber. 

Germany’s Alexandra Popp scored twice against Morocco — and Diani will like her chances of getting on the scoresheet here. 

My best bet: Kadidiatou Diani anytime goalscorer (-105 at bet365)

France vs Morocco same-game parlay

Kadidiatou Diani anytime goalscorer (-105)

France TT Over 1.5 (-400)

Both teams to score: Yes (+137)

+ODDS at bet365

With a talented attack around Diani, I like the odds for France to score two or more goals on Tuesday in this matchup. They’ve scored eight goals in their past two contests and have consistently piled up double-digit shots.

Morocco’s resurgence at this tournament has owed more to a disciplined game plan than dynamic attacking play, but they’re capable of troubling France. Anissa Lahmari netted the winner against Colombia to send the Moroccans into the Round of 16 and I expect them to stick with a 4-4-2 formation which increases the chances of hitting the BTTS prop.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

France vs Morocco spread and Over/Under analysis

Though the Moroccans have transformed the narrative around their tournament by brushing off the embarrassing loss to Germany, they’re the clear underdogs in this matchup. The France moneyline comes at a hefty price but it’s hard to argue with that after the quality of their performance against Panama.

There are no prior meetings to gather any clues on the type of battle we’ll get at Hindmarsh Stadium, but I see the French dominating possession, with Morocco waiting to pounce on counter-attacking opportunities. France will also welcome back Wendie Renard and Eugenie Le Sommer, who were both rested against Panama.

The Over/Under trends make for interesting reading, with Morocco’s last two games featuring just two goals and France coming off a 6-3 thriller.

With the French likely to set the tone, I’m taking the Over on 2.5 total goals — and if Morocco concede early, they would be forced out of their defensive shell.

France vs Morocco game info

France vs Morocco key injuries

France: No key injuries to report.
Morocco: No key injuries to report.

Pages related to this topic