France set up Argentina final after crushing Morocco WC dream

France will face Argentina in the World Cup final. The defending champions have made it to their second consecutive World Cup final after winning the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Despite facing a tough opponent in Morocco, the World Cup's surprise package could not cope with a France that provokes fear.

Despite underdogs Morocco coming into the match with little chance of reaching the final, the Moroccans showed why they had become the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

Although the first half was tightly contested, Les Bleus started incredibly well after Theo Hernandez scored the opening goal of the match after just five minutes. Varane found Griezmann unmarked with a lovely pass and the Atletico player fed Mbappe inside the box. The PSG striker's shot was blocked by Morocco's defence but Theo Hernandez made the most from the rebound and beat Bono with an acrobatic finish. 

Morocco were not about to give up and managed to put Deschamps' side under pressure. They even came close to equalising before the break when in the 43rd minute an incredible El Yamiq bicycle kick hit the post.

At the start of the second half, Regragui's team showed the soul and confidence that had taken them to the semi-finals and managed to put the French side on the ropes, who, thanks to some impressive defending managed to prevent them from drawing the match level.

Just when it looked like the Atlas Lions might score and put France in trouble, Didier Deschamps found the solution. Kolo Muani replaced Dembele and just seconds after coming on the pitch he extended the lead for the French. Mbappe received the ball inside the box, dribbled past Amrabat but his shot was deflected away by Morocco's last man. Kolo Muani, at the far post, benefitted off of the rebound and pushed the ball into the net.

 

December 14, 2022