French supporters may be nervous about Morocco’s giant-killing credentials, but Norwegian punters appear far less convinced that another upset is on the cards.
Exclusive betting data from Coolbet shows that almost 80% of all money wagered by Norwegian customers on tonight’s World Cup quarter-final has been placed on France to progress, with just 9% of turnover backing Morocco to pull off another shock result.
With more than €111,000 already staked on the match as of 19:03 UK time, the numbers suggest Norwegian bettors expect Didier Deschamps’ side to end Morocco’s remarkable run in the United States.
AdvertisementFrench confidence dominates betting market
France have been among the tournament favourites since kicking a ball in North America and have done little to dent those expectations during their run to the quarter-finals. Les Bleus topped Group I before dispatching Sweden and Paraguay in the knockout rounds, extending their winning streak to five matches in the process.
Despite the controversy surrounding Michael Olise’s booking against Paraguay and the looming threat of suspension should France progress further, Norwegian customers remain overwhelmingly confident that the 2018 world champions will book their place in another World Cup semi-final.
A total of €87,529.99, representing 79% of all turnover, has been placed on a French victory, spread across 18,879 betting slips.
Morocco attracting support despite underdog status
Morocco’s journey to the last eight has been one of the stories of the tournament. The Atlas Lions have already matched their achievement from Qatar 2022 and arrive in Boston full of belief after eliminating the Netherlands in the previous round.
However, Norwegian bettors appear unconvinced that history will repeat itself. Only €9,922.43 of turnover, accounting for 9% of all stakes, has been wagered on Morocco to continue their fairy-tale run, although the Atlas Lions have still attracted 3,912 betting slips despite being available at odds of 6.75.
Draw proves surprisingly popular
One notable trend in the betting data is the level of support for a draw after 90 minutes. With knockout football often producing tense and cautious encounters, 13% of turnover has landed on the stalemate, with €13,999.28 wagered across 3,832 betting slips.
That figure comfortably exceeds the amount staked on a Moroccan victory and suggests a sizeable proportion of customers expect this quarter-final to go the distance.
Betting breakdown at 19:03 UK time
- France: €87,529.99 (79%) – 18,879 betting slips
- Draw: €13,999.28 (13%) – 3,832 betting slips
- Morocco: €9,922.43 (9%) – 3,912 betting slips
- Total turnover: €111,452.00
Whether Norwegian customers are proved right will become clear when France and Morocco meet in Boston later tonight, with a place in the World Cup semi-finals awaiting the winner.