Morocco's En-Nesyri sets abysmal unwanted touch record in World Cup semi-final against France

Last updated 21/02/2023

21:01 14/12/2022

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Youssef En-Nesyri made history for all the wrong reasons while playing for Morocco against France in the semi-finals of World Cup 2022.

Morocco face France
En-Nesyri has only three touches
Hooked in second half

WHAT HAPPENED? Sevilla forward En-Nesyri found the going tough against Les Bleus in the last four of the World Cup on Wednesday. The 25-year-old was named in the starting XI but was barely involved in the game, having just three touches during his 67 minutes on the pitch. En-Nesyri's performance means he's set a new record at the World Cup, but one he will certainly not want to be reminded of.

3 - Youssef En-Nesyri had three touches against France, the fewest on record (since 1966) by any player to play 45+ minutes in a World Cup match. Isolated. pic.twitter.com/4fOgBC1FMt
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 14, 2022

THE BIGGER PICTURE: En-Nesyri's display came in Morocco's final game of World Cup 2022. Walid Regragui's side had made history by becoming the first African team to reach the last four but saw their tournament come to an end in a 2-0 defeat to defending champions France.

WHAT NEXT ? The Atlas Lions are back in action this weekend in the third-place match against Croatia. France go on to play Argentina in Sunday's World Cup final.

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