How Les Bleus prepared for a potential shoot-out before France v Morocco quarter-final | OneFootball

France have stuck to their penalty plan before tonight's World Cup quarter-final against Morocco at 22:00. According to L'Équipe, there is no dedicated training, only optional attempts for takers at the end of sessions.

After bruising exits against Switzerland at Euro 2021, 3-3 then 4-5 on penalties, and Argentina in 2022, 3-3 then 2-4, Les Bleus have won their last two shoot-outs. They beat Portugal in 2024, 0-0 then 3-5, and Croatia in 2025, 0-2 in the first leg then 2-0 and 5-4 in the return.

The approach has not changed at this tournament. Work was done at Clairefontaine, then in the United States at Bentley University, with closed sessions to stop opponents logging the takers' habits.

Didier Deschamps once described shoot-outs as a lottery after the 2022 final, and has since softened his view. His core belief remains that training cannot mirror the taker’s emotions in those moments.

In goal, Mike Maignan has become a reference. He saved from Norway's Strand Larsen in the group stage, denied Baturina and Stanisic in 2025, and his presence contributed to João Félix failing to hit the target in 2024.

France's all-time shoot-out record is five wins and five defeats. Will there be another one tonight against Morocco?

Source: L'Équipe