Varane shouldering the responsibility

The Manchester United defender was excellent in the 2-1 victory over England at the weekend and the reward for Didier Deschamps's side is a last-four tie against the first African nation ever to reach this stage of the competition.

Les Bleus are the overwhelming favourites to go a step closer to retaining the title they won four years ago in Russia but the centre-back values Morocco's qualities and knows there is much work to be done before plans can be made for Sunday night.

"We have already had a great competition," the team's vice-captain told a press conference in Qatar. "But the initial objective was to win it. We know how difficult it is. We already have the satisfaction of being there, in the semi-finals. Succeeding in being in the last four is already a great performance.

"England was a big test and we had to fight to win. We now have enough experience in the team not to fall into any trap. If Morocco are there, it is not by chance. It is up to us, the experienced players, to prepare the others for battle. Don't take the easy way out.

"A place in the final is earned. We focus on the objectives but we are aware of achieving something big. Having a great team isn't everything as we have seen great teams fall in this tournament. We stay focused on what is in front of us.

"We think of the next game. Not after."

It would be foolish to underestimate a Morocco side that, despite possibly being depleted come Wednesday, have already upset Spain and Portugal en route to the semi-finals.

"They write the history of Moroccan football," admitted Varane. "Their successive performances give them a lot of confidence. It's a united and close-knit team.

"There are high-quality players. They are not there by chance. We expect a lot of adversity."

The game kicks off at 19:00 GMT on Wednesday, by which time, the two nations will know whether Argentina or Croatia are lying in wait for the weekend.