The Cinderella story at the 2022 FIFA World Cup came to an end Wednesday, as France eliminated Morocco, 2-0 at Al Bayt Stadium to close out the semifinal round and send France to its second consecutive World Cup final. The French are now the fifth defending champions to reach the World Cup final, joining 1938 Italy, 1962 Brazil, 1990 Argentina, 1998 Brazil.
Here were the top plays!
LINEUPS
France XI (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Koundé, Varane, Konaté, Théo Hernandez; Tchouaméni, Fofana; Dembélé, Griezmann, Mbappé; Giroud
Morocco XI (5-2-3): Bono; Hakimi, El Yamiq, Dari, Saiss, Mazraoui; Amrabat, Ounahi; Ziyech, En Nesyri, Boufal
5′: Goal! Hernández score puts France up 1-0
Theo Hernández connected on a strike from inside the box that gave France the early 1-0 lead. It was only the second goal Morocco has allowed in this World Cup, and the first was an own goal.
10′: Morocco nearly equalizes
France keeper Hugo Lloris saved a shot just outside the box by Azzedine Ounahi that kept France ahead 1-0.
17′: Off the post!
Olivier Giroud hit the left post with a left-footed shot from just outside the box.
24′: Morocco fans energized!
36′: Giroud just wide!
France had two chances, with Youssouf Fofana missing a chance, and then Giroud shooting just wide inside the box.
39′: A great tackle prevents a chance for France
Jawad El Yamiq made a tremendous tackle that prevented a golden opportunity for France inside the box.
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44′: So close! Nearly the goal of the tournament!
El Yamiq delivered a beautiful strike on a bicycle kick off a bouncing ball, but is denied by the post!
52′: Mbappé goes down
Kylian Mbappé gets taken out on a tackle and receives medical attention on the field.
79′: Goal! France goes up 2-0 late
Randal Kolo Muani connected on a pass from inside the box, despite just entering the game just one minute earlier!
94′: Morocco nearly got its first!
Abderazak Hamdallah’s left-footed shot was blocked in front of the net and driven out by France to keep the score at 2-0 in the waning minutes. That score would be the final result of the match.
France is now set to face Argentina in Sunday’s championship match, while Morocco will take on Croatia on Saturday in the third-place game
