France were pushed all the way by World Cup wild cards from Morocco before the defending champions sealed a place in Sunday’s final against Argentina.
The first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final refused to wrap up despite early blows of losing key defender Nayef Aguerd to injury after being named in the starting line-up and then falling behind on goal scrambled from Theo Hernandez in the fifth minute. .
France, despite Morocco’s best efforts and spirit, were more clinical and substitute Kolo Muani ensured they would defend their crown against Argentina and Lionel Messi at Lusail Stadium on Sunday when he returned the deflected shot by Kylian Mbappe 11 minutes from time.
Morocco also lost the clearly unfit Romain Saiss to injury before half-time but, roaring in their fanatical support, they came close to a draw, especially when Jawad El Yamiq’s header was prevented by a combination of post and French keeper Hugo. Lloris.
France, with exceptional Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté, kept their cool in the greenhouse atmosphere of Al Bayt Stadium and had their own chances, with Olivier Giroud hitting the post in the first half.
Didier Deschamps’ side were always threatening at the break and that showed when hiding Muani finally broke Moroccan resistance late with his first touch, 44 seconds after coming on, for his first ever goal. France.
France stays cool on the road to glory
France needed to keep their cool to stay the course and become the first country to retain the World Cup for 60 years after Brazil’s triumphs in 1958 and 1962.
They faced a wall of sound of Morocco support, with deafening whistles every time they had possession, and although it was not a classic performance, France stayed organized and made the work to set up a final of two giants to conclude this Qatar. World Cup.
Konaté, in place of Dayot Upamecano who lacked physical form, embodied French solidity and coach Deschamps will struggle to make a change in this crucial defensive position on Sunday.
And of course, the Mbappe v Messi narrative will reach its climax on Sunday as France look to repeat their 2018 triumph in Moscow by beating Croatia in the final.
The underrated Deschamp built a France team led by the brilliant Mbappe and they sometimes took advantage of their luck.
France, however, are in another World Cup final and 54-year-old Deschamps, who captained them when they won the crown on home soil in 1998, now has the chance to make history by winning the tournament twice as a coach.
Morocco Pride Night
The Moroccan players and coaches received a huge and prolonged ovation from their supporters, who have been a real highlight of this World Cup, when they walked towards them to receive the cheers after the final whistle.
And it was completely deserved after another display of talent and character that showed exactly why they were such a glorious surprise at this World Cup.
Moroccan coach Walid Regragui could have been forgiven for feeling like fate was against him after losing crucial players before and shortly after kick-off, as well as behind.
Not even a little.
Inspired by the magnificent Sofyan Amrabat, Morocco redoubled their efforts and were so close to restoring parity when El Yamiq’s effort was countered by a combination of the post and Lloris.
Morocco also had a clear penalty appeal canceled in the first half when striker Hernandez flattened Sofiane Boufal in the box. Not only was the kick not given, but Boufal was mystified by a yellow card.
Morocco still pushed after the break, but they squandered chances with a reluctance to shoot, a failure that left them vulnerable to a second France goal, which duly came on.
Morocco may have finally been beaten, but what an adventure it has been for the World Cup and for African football as they beat Belgium, Spain and Portugal – three of the world’s elite – on the path of the last four.
It’s a wonderful platform to build on and Morocco have given their fans World Cup memories that they will cherish forever after this campaign in Qatar.
