France into final with 2-0 win as Morocco go down fighting

Agencies :
Defending champions France overcame a rousing challenge from Morocco to win the second semifinal of the World Cup 2-0 on Wednesday night and set up a mouthwatering final clash with two-time champions Argentina. The semi-final match was held at the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar on Wednesday.
Goals from Theo Hernandez and Kolo Muani at Al Bayt Stadium ended Morocco’s dream run in Qatar, where they became the first African and Arab team in history to reach the World Cup semifinal.
After conceding a fifth-minute goal to a wonderful volley from Hernandez, the Moroccans came in waves at the French defence for an equaliser.
Having beaten European heavyweights Belgium, Spain and Portugal on the back of their resolute defensive skills, the North Africans suddenly found themselves in a position where attack was their hope of remaining alive in the biggest match of their life.
Inspired by the passionate support from their fans, who pushed the French supporters to small pockets at the stadium, Morocco put up a big fight, showing some dazzling passing skills.
Despite suffering an injury blow in the first half when captain Romain Saiss had to come off in the 21st minute, the Moroccans kept hurting the French midfield with their exquisite one-twos in the final third.
Morocco’s best chance came on the stroke of half-time when goalkeeper Hugo Lloris needed to dive to palm away Jawad El Yamiq’s bicycle kick.
The Moroccans kept pressing hard for a goal in the second half, but it was France that found the back of the net 79th minute.
Following a swift counterattack, French superstar Kylian Mbappe found the ball in a crowded Moroccan box.
Showing remarkable composure and close control, the PSG striker released the ball, allowing Muani to score France’s second goal.
It was a goal that ended the Moroccan hopes and kept the French dream alive of becoming only the third team after Italy and Brazil to defend the World Cup title.
The French, attempting to become the first team to retain the title since Brazil 60 years ago, went in front when Hernandez benefited from a deflection and beat keeper Yassine Bounou with a high volley at the far post.
France’s all-time top scorer Olivier Giroud went close to adding another when he thundered a shot against the post in the 17th minute.
Morocco, bidding to become the first team outside Europe and South America to reach the final, suffered two injury blows with centre back Nayef Aguerd pulling out during the warm-up and captain Romain Saiss forced off in the 21st minute.
They came close to an equaliser, however, on the stroke of halftime through Jawad El Yamiq’s bicycle kick which Hugo Lloris palmed away.
Substitute Randal Kolo Muani doubled France’s lead in the World Cup semi-final against Morocco.
France took the lead via a cool finish from Theo Hernandez in the 5th minute but Morocco came back strongly but were unable to draw level.
Muani had only just been substituted on by Didier Deschamps for Ousmane Dembele when he was on hand to tap in at the far post in the 79th minute after Kylian Mbappe had caused confusion in the Morocco defence.
The winners will play Argentina in the final on Sunday.