FIFAWC 2022: France defeats Morocco, set for back-to-back remaining appearances

France turned the primary staff to qualify for back-to-back FIFA World Cup finals since Brazil in 1998 after they claimed a 2-0 defeat over Morocco within the second semi-final. Les Bleus scored in every half to dispatch the Atlas Lions and attain Sunday’s remaining.

Having made historical past by turning into the primary African facet to succeed in the FIFA World Cup semifinals, Morocco sought to go one step additional once they confronted world champions France. The Atlas Lions had been wanting so as to add one other European scalp to these of Belgium, Spain and Portugal beforehand collected.

The Atlas Lions’ progress within the competitors has been constructed on their impenetrable defence, however they conceded the opener inside 5 minutes of motion in opposition to France. A shot from Antoine Griezmann was blocked and the ball bobbled up within the field, permitting Theo Hernandez to execute an acrobatic effort to open the scoring for Les Bleus.

Morocco responded effectively to going behind and almost discovered a leveller within the first half, with defender Jawad El Yamiq seeing his overhead kick tipped onto the woodwork by France captain Hugo Lloris because the half wound down.

The Atlas Lions continued to ask questions of their illustrious opponents, however the defensive pairing of Ibrahima Konate and Raphael Varane stood agency within the face of stress.

Having survived Morocco’s barrage, France landed a killer blow within the 79th minute via substitute Randal Kolo Muani, 44 seconds after his introduction. A mesmerising run from Kylian Mbappe noticed him dance previous 4 defenders in Morocco’s penalty space earlier than he despatched the ball into the trail of the substitute to stab dwelling from shut vary together with his first contact.

France held on to assert a hard-fought win over the spectacular Moroccans. Les Bleus will now face Argentina in Sunday’s remaining as they appear to turn into the primary nation to retain the World Cup since 1962. Morocco, alternatively, can maintain their heads up excessive once they face Croatia within the third-place match.