France ends Morocco’s dream WC 2022 run as they win 2-0; set up a WC Final with Argentina on Sunday

France 2-0 Morocco: France secured their place in the WC 2022 finals as the defending champions beat Morocco 2-0 in the S/F on Wednesday.

Hernandez and Muani scored in either half for the defending champs as Deschamps led his side to successive WC finals.

They will face Argentina on Sunday with a chance to become the third side in the history of World Cup’s to win it in successive editions.

FIRST HALF

It was an intense beginning to the game as both sides attacking from the get go.

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However, it was France who got the early goal in the 5^th minute of the game when Hernandez scored with a fine finish.

France cut Morocco open down the right inside right channel as Varane released Griezmann. He offloaded to Mbappé, whose shot was blocked. The rebound fell to Theo before he dispatched comfortably.

In hindsight, the keeper could have come out quicker to claim the ball but the defender’s incisiveness ensured the goal.

Ounahi nearly equalized for the African side within 5 minutes after his shot was saved wonderfully by Lloris. The game continued with the same intensity with chances for either side.

This Morocco team will go down in history 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/j90HWRF1D7

— GOAL (@goal) December 14, 2022

Giroud hit the left post after a mistake from Saiss let the Frenchman receive the ball. Mbappé too had his opportunity to find the net but his effort was cleared by club teammate, Hakimi.

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El Yamiq had his moment of fame in the 45^th minute when he struck a delicious overhead but his effort hit the post as France survived with Lloris getting the barest of touches.

SECOND HALF

Morocco came out completely in the zone as they looked to get back into the contest. There was more intent from their end as the Atlas Lions tried to find their way.

France was put under pressure when Varane and Koundé made two vital challenges in the box to clear their lines.

The game was getting further stretched with the African side throwing caution to the wind.

However, Kolo Muani killed the game in the 78^th minute when he steered home from close range after Mbappé made the goal possible with his sheer skill. The substitute scored within 44 seconds off coming on to score.

44 – Randal Kolo Muani has scored the third-quickest goal for a substitute in World Cup history (44 seconds after coming on), only behind Morales in 2002 (16 seconds) and Sand in 1998 (26 seconds). Quick. pic.twitter.com/3x3ePscG24

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) December 14, 2022

As the referee blew for full time, it was moment of ecstasy for France as they secured a place in Sunday’s WC Final where they face Argentina at Lusail Stadium.