France are in the final and will face Argentina in the 2022 Qatar World Cup on Sunday. A 2-0 win was enough for Les Bleus to secure a win over magical Morocco.
Morroco’s historic run comes to an end as France win 2-0 in the 2022 Qatar World Cup semi-final fixture. The Atlas Lions must be proud of how far they came, becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-final in World Cup history.
Morocco topped their group, quite astonishingly, ahead of Croatia, Belgium and Canada, in that order. In the Round of 16, they eliminated Spain 3-0 through a penalty shootout and finally knocked out Portugal 1-0 in the quarter-finals. What a run from Morocco!
Morocco’s first blow came before kickoff when they had to replace center-back Nayef Aguerd with Dari. In 4 minutes, France took the lead, against the team with the best defensive record in the tournament.
The crowd at the Al Bayt stadium was well behind Morocco but was silenced when Mbappe’s shot was blocked with Theo Hernandez acrobatically scoring from close range.
Morocco found themselves in unfamiliar territories, having conceded just one goal, an own goal, in the tournament. 16 minutes into the fixture and France all-time top scorer Olivier Giroud makes a blistering run and takes a shot at goal, hitting the post. Morocco must be weary, the floodgates could open and this could be an embarrassing night.
Another blow to Morocco as Captain Roman Saiss is forced off the pitch through injury and is replaced by Selim Amallah. Morocco, with inexperienced players at the back, had to change tactics, the new 4-3-3 would suit them and they ditch the 5-4-1 formation.
One minute to half time and Morocco hit the post through Jawad El-Yamiq. Despite being a center-back, he delivers a stunning bicycle kick which France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris pushes onto the post.
In the second half, Morocco’s Mazraoui comes off for Yahya Attiat-Allah. Morocco begin the half with positive intent and are finding their foothold in the match. Amrabat is also exhibiting consistent performances at the top level as he tackles Mbappe while on the break. Morocco begin probing and make several attempts to get through on goal.
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Several changes are made in the second half, and Giroud comes off for Marcus Thuram. Morocco bring in En Nesyri and Boufal for Abderrazak Hamdallah and Zakaria Aboukhlal.
In the 78th minute, Dembele is off, and Randal Kolo Muani comes in, scoring after just 44 seconds on the pitch to seal the win for Didier Deschamp’s side.
Morrocco substitute Amallah with Abde Ezzalzouli but France have a comfortable lead and time is not on their side. 5 minutes into added time and Morocco almost get a consolation goal through Ounahi’s shot which hits Hamdallah and is cleared off the line by Kounde.
France win 2-0 and will face Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday at the Lusail Stadium.
Morocco will face Croatia in the third-place playoff on Saturday at the Khalifa International stadium.
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