FRA vs MAR: At Al Bayt Stadium, Les Blues defeated a strong Morocco team by a score of 2-0 to go to the World Cup final. Theo Hernandez scored the first goal for the French side.
France has now been set to play Lionel Messi and Argentina in the championship game, looking to be quite the first side to accomplish this since Brazil in 1962.
Morocco has been the astonishment of Qatar 2022, and Walid Regragui’s team rallied magnificently following Hernandez’s opening goal in the fifth minute, holding the world champions at bay for sizable stretches in an impressive show of bravery and talent.
FRA vs MAR: Kolo Muani, The Wonder Substitute
FRA vs MAR: However, Kolo Muani of Eintracht Frankfurt emerged as France’s inspirational figure, netting with his initial stroke 11 mins after Kylian Mbappe had a shot stopped.
Prior to this game, Morocco had only given up one strike all tournament. Even though it was it’s own goal as they became the first African team to advance to the World Cup semifinals.
All three players—Romain Saiss, Nayef Aguard, and Noussair Mazraoui—were deemed healthy enough to play. But West Ham’s Aguard dropped after the pregame warmup. And skipper Saiss was taken off halfway into the opening frame because he was plainly having trouble.
FRA vs MAR: Hernandez’s Acrobatic Finish
That doubt appeared to be a factor in the disorganized France opening. In which Antoine Griezmann took advantage of Jawad El Yamiq’s mistake to pass the ball straight to Mbappe. Hernandez was alert to the opportunities as he produced an acrobatic strike after Hernandez’s initial effort was stopped and a second was looped up off Oliver Giroud.
Saiss’ thigh gave out, and Giroud hit the crossbar. However, Hugo Lloris had already stopped Azzedine Ounahi at full pace before that. And El Yamiq virtually made up for his mistake with a diving header that smacked the bottom of the post. After the break, Mbappe attempted to put France again in the game. But Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech emerged as the game’s best striker, directing a number of deft forays onto the right flank.
FRA vs MAR: France’s Defensive Excellence
Only when Dayot Upemacano was unable to play due to sickness did Ibrahima Konate make last-ditch recoveries. And the French eventually gained room to breathe. When Kylian Mbappe’s fast feet created space for a half-blocked attempt that dropped nicely for Kolo Muani. Who had played for only 44 seconds.
Within 5 minutes, France put an end to Moroccan aspirations of pulling off yet another miraculous comeback when Hernandez met a chance that had fallen to him at the near post and volleyed it through Yassine Bounou.
“Playing two consecutive World Cup finals is a remarkable accomplishment. We worked hard but did a terrific job, and now we’re in the championship. We’ll put in a lot of effort to win this match “stated Hernandez.
Injuries Affected the Moroccan Side
FRA vs MAR: At the conclusion of Aurelien Tchouameni’s ferocious run down the center in the first period. Olivier Giroud hit the crossbar and failed from close range.
Azzedine Ounahi’s speculative shots dragged two superb stops out of French skipper Hugo Lloris. And curving set pieces placed the French defense under strain. Nevertheless, Morocco was never intimidated and had opportunities.
The north Africans severely hampered by illnesses to their important center backs. The risky decision to start Nayef Aguerd did not pay off because he injured his hamstring during the warm-up. And captain Romain Saiss forced to leave the game after 20 minutes.
El Yamiq’s Excellent Bicycle Shot Couldn’t Convert it for the Moroccans
FRA vs MAR: At the conclusion of the 1st half, Jawad El Yamiq’s daring bicycle kick came dangerously close to bringing Morocco even. But Lloris just managed to keep the ball away from imminent danger as the French side kept a 1-0 advantage.
After the interval, Morocco started strongly and Yahya Attiat-Allah missed a great chance to equalize. As they dominated a significant portion of the opening 10 mins of the 2nd period on France’s protective side of the field.
After the PSG star’s half-shot dribbled forward into the target. Kylian Mbappe’s frantic run through a confined space in the Moroccan penalty box resulted in France’s 2nd goal. And Kolo Muani preyed to increase the advantage. With the 3rd fastest goal by a replacement in World Cup historical record as Les Bleus scheduled a return to the finale.
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