France 2-0 Morocco: World Champions France Reach Final Again, Set to Face Argentina

World Champions France reached the successive World Cup final to face Argentina, with goals from Theo Hernandez and Kolo Muani sealing a hard-fought victory over Morocco.

Morocco, the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final refused to buckle despite suffering the early blows of losing key defender Nayef Aguerd to injury after he was named in the starting line-up, and then going behind to Theo Hernandez’s scrambled fifth-minute goal.

France, for all Morocco’s endeavor and spirit, were more clinical, and substitute Kolo Muani ensured they would defend their crown against Argentina and Lionel Messi at Lusail Stadium on Sunday when he turned in Kylian Mbappe’s deflected shot 11 minutes from time.

Morocco also lost the clearly unfit Romain Saiss to injury before half-time but, roared on by their fanatical support, they came close to drawing level, especially when a combination of the post and France keeper Hugo Lloris kept out Jawad El Yamiq’s overhead kick.

With Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate outstanding, France 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.

Didier Deschamps’ side always threatened on the break and so it proved as the lurking Muani finally broke Morocco’s resistance late on.