World Cup 2022 – France 2-0 Morocco – Theo Hernandez and Kolo Muani send champions to final after beating dark horse Morocco.
France will meet Argentina as a re-match of World Cup 2018 last-16 tie, only this time, to defend their throne against Lionel Messi and Co.
Didier Deschamps’ side became the first defending champions since Brazil 1998 to return to the final, so it’s remained to be seen if Le Bleus could finally break the curse.
World Cup 2022 – France 2-0 Morocco – Highlights
Morocco had better possession rate, but France got the very first chance only 5 minutes after the whistle, and they did not waste it.
Hernandez struck quickly from a rebound after Kylian Mbappe twice saw efforts blocked.
The deflection just fell right at the left-back’s position to see him expertly finish to fire France into early lead in the 5th minute.
Olivier Giroud almost had his stunning goal with a fine first touch followed by him smashing a left-footed strike which hit Yassine Bounou’s right post. Earlier, Jawad El Yamiq denied Mbappe with a crucial last-ditch clearance.
Morocco fought back to find the equalizer with the clearest chance was El Yamiq’s sensational bicycle kick from Hakim Ziyech’s corner. Hugo Lloris and his right post prevented a potential goal of the tournament candidate.
The African side made some changes mid-first-half and after the restart, only to see chances wasted by their strikers upfront. It’s fair to mention that France put almost everybody in front of the goal line to keep their one-goal advantage.
Raphael Varane pulled a vital intervention against Youssef En-Nesyri before France sealed the victory with only 11 minutes remaining.
Kolo Muani, just off the bench 44 seconds ago, showed up at the right time and right place to tap in from Mbappe’s deflected strike.
This goal ended Morocco’s fairy tale, as still no African side made it to a World Cup final in history.
Notable stats
- France recorded their fourth straight World Cup semi-final victory (1998, 2006 and 2018), with two among those saw them crowned eventually.
- Morocco made history as the first African side to make the World Cup semi-finalist, but France proved to be far better than Spain or Portugal, who were beaten earlier.
- Les Bleus now are aiming to join Italy (1938) and Brazil (1962) as the only sides to successfully retain their crown.
- Hernandez’s opener, timed at four minutes and 39 seconds, was the fastest World Cup semi-final goal since 1958 when Vava struck for Brazil against France.
What’s next?
France will meet Argentina at Lusail Stadium, while Morocco face Croatia in a third-place play-off on Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium.
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