- … Set up final showdown with Argentina on Sunday
Defending champions, France have ended Morocco’s incredible Qatar 2022 World Cup experience with a commanding 2-0 win in the second semi-final match played Wednesday night at the Al Bayt Stadium.
The Atlas Lions who are the first African and Arab country to make it to the semi-finals in the World Cup’s 92-year history were given a reality check in the 4th minute when left back Theo Hernadez scrambled onto the ball to open the scoring and in the process set a record of the fastest goal scored in a World Cup semi-final since 1958.
Morocco also lost the clearly unfit Romain Saiss to injury before half-time but, cheered on by their fanatical supporters, came close to drawing level, especially when Jawad El Yamiq’s overhead kick was kept out by a combination of the post and France keeper Hugo Lloris.
France, with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate outstanding, kept their composure in the hothouse atmosphere of Al Bayt Stadium and had chances of their own, Olivier Giroud striking the post in the first half
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With the goal, the Moroccans who had the support of the majority of the fans severally attempted to get back into the game while putting their former colonial masters under pressure but it seemed their luck had run out completely.
The French who have better experience bided their time despite the game becoming a feisty affair.
The Atlas Lions completely dominated proceedings in the second half but squandered most of the chances that fell to them.
The French brilliant defending must also be acknowledged.
However, Morocco’s hopes of taking the match to extra-time was extinguished in the 80th minute when Randal Kolo Muaniwas who had joined the fray 44 seconds earlier was at the receiving end of a mazy run by Kylian Mbappe to make it 2-0 as Morocco conceded two goals for the first time in this tournament.
Following this result, France set up a Sunday final date with an inspired Lionel Messi led Argentina while Morocco battle Croatia for third place spot on Saturday.
