France are into the World Cup final once again as they defeated history makers Morocco 2-0 in a tense semi-final thanks to goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani.
Les Bleus have joined the likes of Italy, Brazil, Netherlands, Argentina and Germany (West Germany back then) as the sixth nation to reach consecutive World Cup finals. They have become the first nation to do so since Brazil 20 years ago.
The reigning champions now have a chance to retain their prestigious status as the best in the world against Argentina in Sunday’s showpiece as they look to join Italy and Brazil as the third country to win back-to-back World Cups.
Didier Deschamps’ side were handed their toughest test of the tournament so far against the spirited African side, who were backed by a roaring crowd inside the Al Bayt Stadium. His side may have been awarded an early lead but over the course of the 90 minutes, it was the Atlas Lions who looked the more dangerous on the break.
The French boss can thank his defence and Morocco making some wrong decisions for Les Bleus getting over the line and into the final. It wasn’t their prettiest performance but their experience as World Cup winners as well as the astute substitutions from Deschamps to get his side the crucial second goal once again reflected their credentials to potentially add a third star to their infamous crest.
READ MORE:
Morocco’s plans to handle Les Bleus was thrown into disarray moments building up to kick off as star defender Nayef Aguerd pulled out of the starting lineup through injury. Things soon got worse once the game started as it became clear that Aguerd’s defensive partner and captain Romain Saiss, would not be able to complete another 90 minutes as he was replaced after 20 minutes.
His replacement, Achraf Dari was thrown into the deep end as Morocco went from a back four to a back five. Dari looked unprepared for the situation as he was partly at fault for France’s opener.
Hernandez scored the quickest goal in a World Cup semi-final since 1958 when he fired home with 4:39 on the clock. Dari was positioned behind the goal line to try and clear the effort but he ended up swiping his leg in the air.
The goal came from the best defence in Qatar being unlocked by the intelligent movement of Antoine Griezmann to create the opening, something Morocco have rarely given their opponents on this historic run.
And while Morocco’s new-look defence was vulnerable to French attacks, they were able to cause some damage of their own. Olivier Giroud rattled the post with a powerful drive but Jawad El Yamiq hit the post with a stunning overhead kick following a Morocco corner as they grew into the game, asking a lot of questions of France’s defence.
Morocco ended the first half the stronger team and they came out after the break the stronger too. Les Bleus would have been uneasy with their one-goal lead because it was Morocco with all the momentum and France had never been so desperate for a two-goal lead in this tournament.
Deschamps turned to Marcus Thuram and Koni to make an impact from the bench and the latter was able to score the goal his side needed within moments of stepping onto the pitch as he was in the right place at the right time to pounce on Kylian Mbappe’s deflected effort, to the relief of everyone in blue.
As for Morocco, their fairytale comes to a bitterly disappointing end but this feels more like the beginning of something special. Those players are an inspiration to all Africans with what they have achieved these past few weeks. Some of them, Sofyan Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi, have been among the best players in Qatar. They have shown that the nations of Africa have what it takes to excel on this stage and you feel that they, along with coach Walid Regragui, have a lot more to give in football’s greatest tournament in the years to come.
France’s wealth of experience got them through in the end but from their performances it comes as no surprise to see them reach the final again.
Their meeting with La Albiceleste will be a repeat of the 2018 semi-final which was an enthralling seven-goal thriller - everyone will be hoping for a match just as entertaining as that on Sunday when these two giants go to battle once again.
