THE COACH

Henri Michel
A former French international who took over in October 1995 after a coaching career in Europe and Africa. Michel was capped 58 times and spent his entire playing career with Nantes, winning three championships and the French Cup. Michel coached France at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and oversaw Cameroon's disastrous campaign at USA 94.

GOALKEEPERS

Driss El Asmar
Rising young keeper, likely to be Michel's third choice.
Born: 4.12.75. Club: El Jaddida. Caps: 1. Goals: 0

Driss Benzerki
Reliable No 2 keeper, hasn't had many chances to show what he can do.
Born: 31.12.70. Club: RS Settat. Caps: 4. Goals: 0

Abdelkader El Brazi
Will probably keep his place in the side despite poor performances at the recent African Nations Cup. Led his club to the final of the 1997 African Cup-winners Cup.
Born: 5.11.64. Club: Royal Armed Forces. Caps: 36. Goals: 0

DEFENDERS

Lahcen Abrami
Right-sided defender who may make the starting line-up in France after impressing at the recent African Nations Cup. Likes to get forward on the counter-attack. Represented his country at the 1992 Olympics.
Born: 31.12.69. Club: Wydad Casablanca. Caps: 40. Goals: 1

Abdelkrim El Hadrioui
First-choice left-back even though he hasn't seen much first-team action with his Portuguese club. Has bags of experience - he was in the squad for USA 94 and the last two African Nations Cups.
Born: 8.8.72. Club: Benfica (Por). Caps: 56. Goals: 2

Taher El Khalej
Veteran with powerful shot who played in two of their three games at USA 94, but is likely to be on the bench in France. Joined Benfica in 1996 from Portuguese rivals Uniao Leiria.
Born: 16.6.68. Club: Benfica (Por). Caps: 54. Goals: 1

Mustapha Khalif
Another experienced defender who has tasted success at club level (1997 African Champions League, 1989 African Champions Cup) but hasn't quite made his mark in the national side.
Born: 19.9.64. Club: Raja Casablanca. Caps: 16. Goals: 1

Noureddine Naybet
Captain and one of Africa's best defenders. A key player for his Spanish club Deportivo, who he joined after spells with Nantes and Sporting Lisbon.
Born: 10.2.70. Club: Deportivo La Coruna (Spa). Caps: 90. Goals: 2

Rashid Negrouz
Italian-based central defender. Recently recalled by Michel, he could play a major role in the World Cup.
Born: 1972. Club: Bari (Ita). Caps: 12. Goals: 0

Youssef Rossi
Tough-tackling central defender who is the most likely partner for Naybet. Moved to France last year after winning the Moroccan championship with Raja Casablanca.
Born: 28.6.73. Club: Rennes (Fra). Caps: 18. Goals: 0

Abdelilah Saber
Speedy full back who will challenge El Hadrioui for a place in the side. Now firmly established with the national side and Sporting Lisbon, having moved to Portugal in 1997 from Wydad Casablanca.
Born: 11.06.70. Club: Sporting Lisbon (Por). Caps: 22. Goals: 0

Smahi Triki
Not to be confused with the fallen trip-hop artist from Bristol, this one's a reserve who played in all three of Morocco's games at USA 94, but hasn't been able to establish himself in the national side. Born in Morocco, but brought up in France, where he played for Chateauroux before moving to Switzerland.
Born: 1.8.67. Club: Lausanne (Swi). Caps: 15. Goals: 0