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France advanced to the World Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Morocco at Al Bayt Stadium. Theo Hernandez gave France the lead in the first half, and substitute Randal Kolo Muani scored the game-winning goal in the second.
France is still in contention to repeat as world champions for the first time since Brazil in 1962, and they will face Lionel Messi and Argentina in the final. WorldCup22 is here to give you the complete rundown of how the semi-finals came to a close.
The Rundown: France vs Morocco
Following Hernandez’s fifth-minute opening, Walid Regragui’s team responded wonderfully, holding back the defending world champions for major stretches in a show of remarkable daring and skill. Morocco has been the standout performer of Qatar 2022 despite sitting decently in the middle of our World Cup betting odds 2022 favorites list.
Kolo Muani, a striker for Eintracht Frankfurt, emerged as France’s unlikely hero when he scored with his first contact after Kylian Mbappe’s attempt was stopped with 11 minutes remaining.
Morocco manager Walid Regragui had decided to swap to a back 5 to hold France’s considerable offensive threat, but his initiatives were instantly curtailed when center-back Nayef Aguerd, who had been listed as a starter after missing the win over Portugal due to injury, was forced to withdraw prior to kickoff.
France wasted no time capitalizing on the chaos, scoring first after El Yamik misplayed a pass that Antoine Griezmann took advantage of by cutting the ball back to Kylian Mbappe, whose effort was blocked and ultimately went unconverted by Hernandez.
Hugo Lloris made a great save from a long shot by Azzedine Ounahi, and Hakim Ziyech dragged another chance wide, but France almost scored when Olivier Giroud struck against the post off of a long ball by Ibrahima Konate.
Despite the early goal encouraging Morocco to take greater risks, a penalty appeal was turned away when Sofiane Boufal was ruled to have fouled Hernandez, not the other way around. France remained in danger at the other end.
Things started to heat up on our World Cup 2022 free livestream, France’s first goal scorer Aurelien Tchouameni set up both Mbappe and Giroud in rapid succession, although Morocco came closer before halftime when El Yamiq’s overhead kickoff of a corner rebounded off the post.
Deschamps is still on track to make history
There have only been two countries to win the World Cup back-to-back: Italy in 1930 and 1934, and Brazil in 1958 and 1962; however, only Italy had the same manager for both victories (Vittorio Pozzo).
Therefore, Didier Deschamps is still on track to join the Italian in that select club, as his team is only 90 minutes away from repeating the 2018 title they won in Russia.
France has undoubtedly emerged as one of the best teams in the tournament, which is something few would dispute. After defeating Poland, England, and Morocco to go to the final, they merely faltered to Tunisia in the group stages due to resting key players. Our World Cup 2022 fixtures Singapore time page will have all the remaining matches for the tournament.
Player of the game: Antoine Griezmann
Although Griezman is more well-known for his offensive skills, the Atletico Madrid player proved crucial in the defensive third. The midfielder had success down France left while also making frequent appearances in and around his own 18-yard box to make important interceptions and tackles when Morocco threatened to get back into the game.
The opposite end saw Griezmann, once again proving why he is considered one of the best players in the world, provide a number of threatening set pieces that were not converted.
France v Morocco final score
Team | 1H | 2H | Final |
France | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Morocco | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Regragui’s team closed the first half well and continued their momentum into the second, forcing France back and, for the first time in the competition, creating chances. However, France was a tough opponent to break down.
France benefited at times from Morocco’s lack of toughness in the box, but Konate was especially spectacular after starting in lieu of Dayot Upamecano, who was held out with sickness along with Adrien Rabiot.
Although the Atlas Lions should be pleased with their efforts, Morocco ultimately fell short despite a valiant effort (the magnificent Ounahi blasting over in stoppage time and then having a diverted attempt fall to Hamdallah, who again failed to capitalize).Sunday’s World Cup final will feature France and Argentina, while Saturday’s third-place matchup will have Morocco go against Croatia. Don’t miss the exciting conclusion of the world’s biggest stage with the best World Cup bet offers at Solarbet! Sign up and make sure to root for your favorite!