Theo Hernandez put France up early in the World Cup semifinal against Morocco at Al Bayt Stadium, before substitute Randal Kolo Muani completed a 2-0 triumph.
France stayed on pace to become the first side to retain the global title since Brazil in 1962, and will now face Lionel Messi and Argentina in Sunday’s final.
Morocco has been the surprise product of Qatar 2022, and Walid Regragui’s team rallied magnificently following Hernandez’s fifth-minute opening, holding back the world champions for extended spells in a show of remarkable daring and quality.
Kolo Muani of Eintracht Frankfurt was France’s unexpected hero, scoring with his first touch after Kylian Mbappe’s attempt was stopped 11 minutes from time.
What a way to score the opening goal in a World Cup semifinal. 😱😱#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/wFmSIiFgJp
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 14, 2022
FRA — Theo Hernandez — 5th min.
FRA — Randal Kolo Muani — 79th min.
Lineups:
France (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Lloris (GK) — 5. Kounde, 4. Varane, 24. Konate, 22. T. Hernandez — 8. Tchouameni, 13. Fofana — 11. Dembele, 7. Griezmann, 10. Mbappe — 9. Giroud
Morocco (5-4-1, right to left): 1. Bono (GK) — 2. Hakimi, 18. El Yamiq, 20. Dari, 6. Saiss, 3. Mazraoui — 7. Ziyech, 8. Ounahi, 4. Amrabat, 17. Boufal —19. En-Nesyri
France has accomplished this. Didier Deschamps has a chance to become only the second coach in history to win the World Cup twice. Morocco’s players collapse to the ground.
Some are in tears, but many have altered their lives in the previous few weeks, not to mention provided their great fans with experiences to last a lifetime.
