France beat Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup semi-finals at Arbeit Stadium on Wednesday night, ending the African side’s dream run in Qatar.
An early goal from Theo Hernandez and a late tap from substitute Randall Kolomuani secured a hard-fought victory for defending champions France against the brave Moroccan team that will make African World Cup history in the 2022 tournament Did.
Didier Deschamps’ side will face Argentina, who beat Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday.
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“There’s emotion, there’s pride, there’s the final step ahead,” Deschamps said after the game. .
Within five minutes, France poured cold water on Morocco’s hopes of another miracle when a scrambled ball fell to Hernández inside the penalty area.
“It was an unbelievable moment to play two World Cup finals in a row. We did a good job, it was tough, but we made it to the final. We will work hard to win this final.” said Hernandez.
Olivier Giroud hit the post and missed from close range in the first half.
However, Morocco were never overwhelmed and chances were high as Azzedine Ounahi forced French captain Hugo Lloris to make two good saves in a speculative effort and a curled set-piece put pressure on the French defense. was.
The gamble to name Naef Ageld in the starting line-up fell through after he injured his hamstring during the warm-up and skipper Roman Sais had to leave after 20 minutes. .
Jawad El Yamiq’s bold overhead kick almost leveled Morocco at the end of the first half, but Lloris kept the ball out of danger as France maintained a 1-0 lead.
Ten minutes into the second half, Morocco missed a golden opportunity to equalize against the French defense.
Kylian Mbappe smashed through the narrow space in Morocco’s penalty area to score France’s second goal. A half-shot from PSG’s star dribbled towards goal and Kolo his Muani doubled his lead with the third-fastest goal in World Cup history. Blues Booked a return to the final.
Morocco coach Walid Legragi led the Atlas Lions to a group title in Qatar, beating Spain in the 16th round and then Portugal to become the first African team to reach the semi-finals. France.
“We gave the biggest, it’s the most important,” said Regragui. “We got hurt. We lost Ageldo in the warm-up, we lost Sais at half-time. We paid for a few mistakes. We didn’t get into the game well. Too much technical waste in the first half. Two points. I died on the eye, but not all that has been done is lost.”
France defeated Argentina 4-3 at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. La Albiceleste He has a head-to-head record of 6 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses in 12 matches.
France are aiming to become the defending champions to reach consecutive finals since Brazil in 2002, the first team in 60 years and the third team to retain two consecutive World Cup crowns. .
The country’s president Emmanuel Macron said he was “very proud” of France after visiting Qatar to watch the match against FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“I’m very proud of my country. I’m very happy,” Macron told reporters after the game. “I want the French to enjoy this simple happiness.”
Information from Reuters was used in this report.