World Cup: France Knocks Morocco Out, Advances To Final

By Chidi Nwoke, Abuja.

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France will have a chance to defend its FIFA World Cup title after beating Morocco 2-0 in the semi-final at the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar’s city of Al Khor, setting up a mammoth finale against Argentina.

Morocco started with Youssef En-Nesyri in attack, with Sofiane Boufal and Hakin Ziyech supporting on the flanks. France had Olivier Giroud up-front while Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe were on the wings.

The World champions took the lead in the 5th minute when defender Theo Hernandez scored a brilliant goal from close range.

France defender Theo Hernandez (22) scores acrobatic goal against Morocco

The fans at the Al Bayt Stadium helped spur Morocco on as they almost equalised through Jawad El Yamiq, but his effort struck the post.

However after a few chances from the Africans, France doubled its lead when substitute Kolo Muani put the ball into the net in the 79th minute to take away any glimmer of hope for Morocco.

France forward Kolo Muani scores goal against Morocco

The match finished 2-0 to France, who will now face Argentina for football’s biggest prize. Reigning champions France will be seeking to become the first side to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962.

Morocco, the first African side in history to play in a World Cup semi-final, will leave the competition with their heads high as they made Africa proud with their brilliant performances and big victories in the tournament. They will settle for a third-place play-off against Croatia.