France see off Morocco to book World Cup final date with Argentina

France continued with their fine form in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar as they beat Morocco 2-0 in a semifinal encounter at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday night. 

The victory saw the defending champions, France cruise their way into the finals of the prestigious tournament, where they will face Argentina on Sunday, thanks to goals by Theo Hernandez and Kolo Muani. 

France came into this showdown aiming to retain their World Cup title having won it back in 2018. 

Morocco, on the other hand, are the first African country to make it to a World Cup semifinal. 

Hernandez broke the deadlock as early as five minutes into the game to put his nation in front.

The showdown turned scrappy and congested as the two sides looked to establish control in midfield.

FRANCE TOO GOOD FOR MOROCCO

As the half progressed, it was an encouraging period for the African side, who pushed forward in numbers with the hope of finding an equaliser. 

Morocco spent the majority of the first half toiling at their opponents’ goals, but couldn’t breakthrough France’s solid defence. 

However, unfazed, France did not just sit back and watch their opponents come at them, instead, they started to gain momentum and attacked to contain Morocco on their own turf. 

France kept upping the tempo, forcing Morocco’s backline into errors with the aim of adding to the scoreline.

But, chances were few and far between for the defending champions before the half-time break. 

The showpiece went into the interval with Didier Deschamps’ troops leading Morocco by 1-0.

Morocco steamed into the second stanza brightly and the rampant North African side couldn’t be contained in search of an equaliser. 

Hoalid Regragui’s charges did not slow down as they continued to dictate the match. 

Morocco truly showed plenty of desire to wrap up the match level and but luck was not on their side. 

But France made sure that they seal their victory as Muani scored the second goal for his country in the 79th minute of the game. 

At that moment there was nothing Morocco could do in order to level matters. 

The final whistle blew with France progressing to the finals of the World Cup. 

RELATED STORY: Alvarez and Messi’s five-star display send Argentina to World Cup final