France advanced to the World Cup final against Argentina after defeating Morocco 2-0 on Wednesday thanks to goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani.
With another effective performance at Al Bayt Stadium, Didier Deschamps’ team became the first defending winners since Brazil in 1998 to return to the final in the following season.
Hernandez scored as France raced into a fifth-minute lead against Africa’s first World Cup semi-finalists, despite Morocco dominating for much of the game.
That pressure was not rewarded, as substitute Kolo Muani’s 79th-minute goal guaranteed France’s attempt to become only the third team in history to retain their world title proceeded into Sunday’s final against Argentina.
Hernandez gave France an early lead after Kylian Mbappe’s attempts were stopped twice, the second deflection going to the left-back, who finished beautifully at the back post.
After Jawad El Yamiq stopped Mbappe with a last-ditch clearing, Olivier Giroud slammed a left-footed effort against Yassine Bounou’s right post before swerving wide from a great opportunity.
On the stroke of half-time, El Yamiq almost equalized with a stunning overhead kick from Hakim Ziyech’s corner, only to be stopped by a stretched Hugo Lloris and his right post.
Raphael Varane made a crucial late intervention to deny Youssef En-Nesyri as Deschamps’ men were forced back, before France won victory with 11 minutes remaining.
As Morocco’s Cinderella run came to an end, a deflected Mbappe shot fell into the feet of Kolo Muani, who rushed off the bench to tap in at the far post.
What does it imply? Les Bleus are on the verge of achieving a remarkable achievement.
France defeated England in a thrilling quarter-final and then crushed Morocco in the World Cup semi-finals for the fourth time in a row (also in 1998, 2006 and 2018).
Morocco, led by Walid Regraguis, had defeated Belgium, Spain, and Portugal their route to the last four, but France proved too much of a challenge.
The final challenge for Les Bleus comes from Lionel Messi and Argentina, who want to follow Italy (1938) and Brazil (1962) as the only teams to successfully defend their title.
Hernandez is a hero.
Hernandez’s goal was the fastest World Cup semi-final goal since 1958, when Vava scored for Brazil against France in four minutes and 39 seconds.
The Milan defender was scrutinized following the England game and was charged with restraining the hyperactive Ziyech, who excelled by winning seven of his eight duels and getting possession from each of his four tackles.
Injuries follow defiant Morocco.
Nayef Aguerd, Roman Saiss, and Noussair Mazraoui were all questionable for this game due to injuries. All were selected in the starting lineup, however Aguerd did not appear, Saiss left before halftime, and Mazraoui was substituted at the interval.
Regragui’s fitness risk backfired, with Mazraoui winning only one of his six duels before being replaced at halftime, while Saiss’ injury nearly cost Morocco when Giroud burst away to hit the post in the first half.
What comes next?
In four days, France will face Argentina at Lusail Stadium, while Morocco will face Croatia in a third-place play-off on Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium.