Theo Hernandez scored with an acrobatic finish to help France produce one of the most comfortable World Cup results of the weekend action. Theo Hernandez’s acrobatic finish from close range gave the defending champions France the lead after only five minutes, but they had to work hard for their victory. France is attempting to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962. Following their historic victories over Spain and Portugal, Morocco became the first African team to compete in a World Cup semifinal. At Al Bayt Stadium, they faced France and put them under a great deal of pressure. Jawad El Yamiq even hit the post as they fought bravely despite missing important players.
Although the Moroccans were devastated by Kolo Muani’s 79th-minute slid-in of Kylian Mbappe’s deflected shot, France demonstrated their tournament pedigree by defending staunchly and then embracing their opportunity to end the match. In order to defend their title, France will play Argentina, who defeated Croatia 3-0 in the other semifinal, on Sunday. The match will feature Kylian Mbappe versus Lionel Messi, Mbappe’s teammate at Paris Saint-Germain, and will mark the end of Morocco’s impressive tournament.
In order to contain France’s significant offensive threat, Morocco manager Walid Regragui decided to switch to a back five. However, his initial plans were immediately derailed when center-back Nayef Aguerd, who was listed as a starter after missing the win over Portugal due to injury, was forced to withdraw just before kickoff. As soon as the upheaval occurred, France took advantage of it. Their opening goal was produced by the great Antoine Griezmann, who took advantage of a miscue by El Yamik to pass the ball back to Mbappe, whose shot was blocked before falling to Hernandez for the conversion.
The Atlas Lions sought an immediate retort at the other end after Hernandez’s well-placed strike made him the first opponent to score past Morocco, who had preserved four clean sheets in the previous five games at the tournament. Hugo Lloris made a spectacular save on a long-range shot from Azzedine Ounahi, and Hakim Ziyech dragged another attempt wide. However, France then came dangerously close to scoring when Olivier Giroud fired against the post following a long cross from Ibrahima Konate.
After that Giroud opportunity, Morocco suffered another setback when Romain Saiss, Aguerd’s regular center-back partner and another injury concern going into the game, had to leave the field. Even so, Hernandez was frequently left exposed by Mbappe’s forward stance, leaving him unable to handle the dual threat of Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi, which continued to provide a problem for France down the right flank.
Since Sofiane Boufal was found to have fouled Hernandez rather than the other way around, Morocco’s demand for a penalty was denied, but France continued to pose a threat on the other end as the early goal forced Morocco to take more chances. The player who gave France the lead against England, Aurelien Tchouameni, gave Mbappe and Giroud two chances in quick succession, but Morocco came the closest before halftime, with El Yamiq’s overhead kick bouncing back off the post after a corner.
Regragui’s team put France on their heels and continued where they left off in the second half, dominating possession for the first time in the competition as their opponents were difficult to break down. Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot were both unable to play due to sickness, therefore Konate began in their place. France was occasionally also assisted by Morocco’s lack of ruthlessness in the box. Konate was particularly impressive in this regard. In the end, it proved to be a step too much for the Atlas Lions, though they can still be pleased with their efforts. Morocco continued to battle, with the outstanding Ounahi blasting over in stoppage time. Later, Hamdallah saw a deflected effort fall to them, but they were unable to capitalize.
For more World Cup results, click here
