Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola and Manu Koné one booking from missing potential World Cup semi-final | OneFootball

Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola and Manu Koné are one booking from missing a potential World Cup semi-final. France face Morocco in Boston on Thursday at 22:00, and any further yellow for the trio would trigger a ban.

All three were cautioned in the 1-0 last 16 win over Paraguay. Barcola and Koné were booked for fouls on Juan José Caceres, who was not cautioned. According to L'Équipe, Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantashev was rated 1/10 and booked Olise in the 90+7 minute for a flash of temper at Matias Galarza, a decision viewed as severe.

Bookings are wiped before the semi-finals, as after the group stage, so Aurélien Tchouaméni is not at risk despite his caution against Norway in the 4-1 win on 26 June. The midfielder missed Saturday and is doubtful for Thursday with an adductor issue.

Among those at risk, Olise’s absence could be the most problematic. The Bayern playmaker, 24, with 22 caps and 7 goals, leads the tournament with five assists, three of them for Kylian Mbappé. He was quieter against the Albirroja, but remains central to France’s attack.

Replacing a player who collected 12 yellows in 52 Bayern games this season would test Didier Deschamps more than losing Barcola or Koné. Désiré Doué is a strong option for Barcola and he won the 70-minute penalty converted by Mbappé. In midfield, N’Golo Kanté or Warren Zaïre Emery could cover for Koné, while Tchouaméni might return if France reach a semi-final set for 14 July at 21:00 in Dallas against Portugal, Spain, the United States or Belgium.

Source: L'Équipe