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World Cup 2022: France 2-0 Morocco - holders set up Argentina final

By Phil McNultyChief football writer at Al Bayt Stadium

Last updated on .From the section World Cup comments 2713

France were pushed all the way by World Cup wildcards Morocco before the holders sealed a place in Sunday's final against Argentina.

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.

For all Morocco's endeavour and spirit, France were more clinical and substitute Randal Kolo Muani ensured they will 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 Jawad El Yamiq's overhead kick was tipped on to the post by France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

France, with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate outstanding, 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 with his first touch, 44 seconds after coming on, for his maiden France goal.

France stay cool on road to glory

France needed to keep their nerve to stay on course to become the first country to retain the World Cup for 60 years, following Brazil's triumphs in 1958 and 1962.

They faced a wall of sound from Morocco's support, with ear-splitting whistles every time they had possession - and while it was not a classic performance, France remained organised and got the job done to set up a final of two giants to conclude this Qatar World Cup.

Konate, in for Dayot Upamecano, who was short of match fitness, epitomised French solidity and coach Deschamps will be hard pushed make a change in that crucial defensive position on Sunday.

And, of course, the narrative of Mbappe against Messi will come to a climax on Sunday as France try to repeat their 2018 triumph, when they beat Croatia in the final in Moscow.

The understated Deschamp has put together a France team spearheaded by the brilliant Mbappe, and they rode their luck at times.

France, however, are in another World Cup final and the 54-year-old Deschamps, who captained them when they claimed the crown on home soil in 1998, now has the chance to become only the second coach to win the tournament twice.

Morocco's night of pride

Morocco's players and coaching staff were given a huge and prolonged ovation from their supporters, who have been a real highlight of this World Cup, when they went towards them to take the acclaim after the final whistle.

And it was completely deserved after yet another performance of talent and character which showed exactly why they have been such a glorious surprise package at this World Cup.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui could have been forgiven for feeling the fates were against them after losing crucial players before and shortly after kick-off, as well as going behind.

Not a bit of it.

Inspired by the magnificent Sofyan Amrabat, Morocco redoubled their efforts and were so close to restoring parity when El Yamiq's effort was pushed on to the post.

Morocco also had a clear penalty appeal waved aside in the first half when goalscorer Hernandez flattened Sofiane Boufal in the area. Not only was the spot-kick not given, but Boufal was mystifyingly shown a yellow card.

Still Morocco pushed after the break, but they wasted opportunities with a reluctance to shoot, a failing that left them vulnerable to a second France goal, which duly came.

Morocco may have finally been beaten but what a ride this has been for the World Cup and for African football as they beat Belgium, Spain and Portugal - three of the global game's elite - on the way to the last four.

This is a wonderful platform to build on and Morocco have given their fans World Cup memories they will treasure for ever after this campaign in Qatar.

Player of the match

S AmrabatSofyan Amrabat

with an average of 7.97

France

  1. Squad number7Player nameGriezmann
    Average rating

    6.86

  2. Squad number24Player nameKonaté
    Average rating

    6.44

  3. Squad number12Player nameKolo Muani
    Average rating

    6.15

  4. Squad number1Player nameLloris
    Average rating

    6.07

  5. Squad number22Player nameHernández
    Average rating

    5.92

  6. Squad number26Player nameThuram
    Average rating

    5.91

  7. Squad number9Player nameGiroud
    Average rating

    5.76

  8. Squad number10Player nameMbappé
    Average rating

    5.66

  9. Squad number4Player nameVarane
    Average rating

    5.65

  10. Squad number5Player nameKoundé
    Average rating

    5.51

  11. Squad number8Player nameTchouaméni
    Average rating

    5.50

  12. Squad number11Player nameDembélé
    Average rating

    5.18

  13. Squad number13Player nameFofana
    Average rating

    5.05

Morocco

  1. Squad number4Player nameS Amrabat
    Average rating

    7.97

  2. Squad number8Player nameOunahi
    Average rating

    7.85

  3. Squad number2Player nameHakimi
    Average rating

    7.68

  4. Squad number7Player nameZiyech
    Average rating

    7.63

  5. Squad number17Player nameBoufal
    Average rating

    7.61

  6. Squad number19Player nameEn-Nesyri
    Average rating

    7.17

  7. Squad number3Player nameMazraoui
    Average rating

    7.17

  8. Squad number20Player nameDari
    Average rating

    7.16

  9. Squad number15Player nameAmallah
    Average rating

    7.14

  10. Squad number18Player nameEl Yamiq
    Average rating

    7.13

  11. Squad number1Player nameBono
    Average rating

    7.08

  12. Squad number25Player nameAttiat-Allah
    Average rating

    7.07

  13. Squad number16Player nameEzzalzouli
    Average rating

    6.92

  14. Squad number14Player nameAboukhlal
    Average rating

    6.89

  15. Squad number9Player nameHamdallah
    Average rating

    6.77

  16. Squad number6Player nameSaïss
    Average rating

    6.65

Line-ups

France

Formation 4-2-3-1

  • 1Lloris
  • 5Koundé
  • 4Varane
  • 24Konaté
  • 22Hernández
  • 8Tchouaméni
  • 13Fofana
  • 11Dembélé Substituted forKolo Muaniat 79'minutes
  • 7Griezmann
  • 10Mbappé
  • 9Giroud Substituted forThuramat 65'minutes

Substitutes

  • 2Pavard
  • 3Disasi
  • 6Guendouzi
  • 12Kolo Muani
  • 15Veretout
  • 16Mandanda
  • 17Saliba
  • 18Upamecano
  • 20Coman
  • 23Aréola
  • 25Camavinga
  • 26Thuram

Morocco

Formation 5-4-1

  • 1Bono
  • 2Hakimi
  • 20Dari
  • 6Saïss Substituted forAmallahat 21'minutes Substituted forEzzalzouliat 78'minutes
  • 18El Yamiq
  • 3Mazraoui Substituted forAttiat-Allahat 45'minutes
  • 7Ziyech
  • 8Ounahi
  • 4S Amrabat
  • 17BoufalBooked at 27mins Substituted forAboukhlalat 67'minutes
  • 19En-Nesyri Substituted forHamdallahat 66'minutes

Substitutes

  • 9Hamdallah
  • 10Zaroury
  • 11Sabiri
  • 12Mohamedi
  • 13Chair
  • 14Aboukhlal
  • 15Amallah
  • 16Ezzalzouli
  • 22Tagnaouti
  • 23El Khannouss
  • 24Benoun
  • 25Attiat-Allah
  • 26Jabrane
Referee:
César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos
Attendance:
68,294

Match Stats

Home TeamFranceAway TeamMorocco
Possession
Home39%
Away61%
Shots
Home14
Away13
Shots on Target
Home3
Away3
Corners
Home2
Away3
Fouls
Home11
Away11

Live Text

  1. Post update

    Match ends, France 2, Morocco 0.

  2. Full Time

    Second Half ends, France 2, Morocco 0.

  3. Post update

    Hand ball by Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco).

  4. Post update

    Offside, Morocco. Hakim Ziyech tries a through ball, but Zakaria Aboukhlal is caught offside.

  5. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Abderrazak Hamdallah (Morocco) left footed shot from very close range is blocked.

  6. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.

  7. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

  8. Post update

    Corner, Morocco. Conceded by Youssouf Fofana.

  9. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.

  10. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Morocco) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.

  11. Post update

    Offside, Morocco. Azzedine Ounahi tries a through ball, but Zakaria Aboukhlal is caught offside.

  12. Post update

    Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  13. Post update

    Foul by Marcus Thuram (France).

  14. Post update

    Attempt missed. Zakaria Aboukhlal (Morocco) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Yahya Attiat-Allah with a cross.

  15. Post update

    Abderrazak Hamdallah (Morocco) wins a free kick on the right wing.

  16. Post update

    Foul by Ibrahima Konaté (France).

  17. Post update

    Foul by Yahya Attiat-Allah (Morocco).

  18. Post update

    Antoine Griezmann (France) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  19. Goal!

    Goal! France 2, Morocco 0. Randal Kolo Muani (France) right footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal.

  20. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Kylian Mbappé (France) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Marcus Thuram.

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2713 comments

  • Comment posted by midnightrun, at 21:00 14 Dec 2022

    Morocco - you have been amazing. Brave, courageous, and never giving up. An inspiration to many people in Africa and the Middle East. Love the sportsmanship between the two teams at the end as well.

  • Comment posted by uncletuesday, at 21:00 14 Dec 2022

    Morocco the better team. But much like England, they couldn't take their chances against an uninspired but clinical France. It is Argentina's to lose imo.

    Side note; can someone out there PLEASE create a platform where we can watch a game of footy with the stadium noise but without the myopic, repetitive commentators regurgitating the same old platitudes? It's getting painful to listen to.

    • Reply posted by liverpool supporter right here, at 21:06 14 Dec 2022

      liverpool supporter right here replied:
      Anti football teams are in the third place play off. Fifa has won

  • Comment posted by No, at 20:59 14 Dec 2022

    What a pleasure Morocco have been in this tournament.... Congratulations to them..... And not a back pass in sight!!!

    • Reply posted by twinprime, at 21:04 14 Dec 2022

      twinprime replied:
      Well the back pass comment is patently false.

  • Comment posted by marble, at 21:05 14 Dec 2022

    Your words are empty if you are on this thread to talk smack about Argentina or France. Argentina and France have both won the WC twice. One of them will win it for a third time very soon. As much as it hurts to see your team lose….. you have to respect the fact that these teams have a champion winning mentality.

    • Reply posted by User0921224906, at 21:13 14 Dec 2022

      User0921224906 replied:
      I wouldn't have thought that 4 years ago, seeing as Sampaoli was dysfunctional. Thanks to Scaloni, we have hope and hopefully the mentality and the ability to beat France in the final.

  • Comment posted by Blockpants, at 21:00 14 Dec 2022

    On another day, that scoreline might have been the other way around. Morocco did themselves proud and have picked up a lot of respect and admiration from many in this tournament.

    • Reply posted by Y0U, at 21:03 14 Dec 2022

      Y0U replied:
      Could you be any more patronising?

  • Comment posted by TootyFruity, at 21:02 14 Dec 2022

    The respect shown by France during and especially after the game shows how far Morocco have come.

    Players played with heart and desire making their country proud.

    Well played Morocco

    👏👏👏👏👏👏

    • Reply posted by stig the pig, at 21:37 14 Dec 2022

      stig the pig replied:
      in stark contrast to the attitude of Argentina & Brazil, hope the French win it

  • Comment posted by George Williams, at 21:01 14 Dec 2022

    Antoine Griezmann - Man of the Match – Outstanding defensive display.

    Hats off to Morocco - African / Middle east heroes...

    • Reply posted by D1694865631407, at 21:07 14 Dec 2022

      D1694865631407 replied:
      Griezmann is an Attacker and was kept very quiet, he was not MOTM as the pundits are claiming to save face for his huge build up and failure to have any impact. Konate made some great interceptions and stopped at least 2 Morocco goals.
      The pundits are ruining this WC by talking rubbish and then spending the rest of the match trying to justify what they said. like the Emperor and his New Clothes.

  • Comment posted by Wayne Smith , at 20:58 14 Dec 2022

    Unlucky tonight Morocco, deserved more. Congrats on getting this far though, fantastic achievement 👏👏

  • Comment posted by D1696987154552, at 21:10 14 Dec 2022

    Well Done to Morocco you gave France a scare and saw off BEL, SPA and POR and held CRO, what a coup

    • Reply posted by Viva Espana, at 21:25 14 Dec 2022

      Viva Espana replied:
      The Atlas Lions played a lot better than the Three Lions

  • Comment posted by RMP, at 21:00 14 Dec 2022

    Morocco deserved something out of the game but France showed their killer ability

    • Reply posted by liverpool supporter right here, at 21:05 14 Dec 2022

      liverpool supporter right here replied:
      Anti football has not won. Thank the lord

  • Comment posted by spinkbottle, at 21:15 14 Dec 2022

    One nil up with fifteen minutes to go. I'll sort it with a couple of subs. Finish game two nil up.
    Are you watching Gareth?

    • Reply posted by Mars Express, at 21:59 14 Dec 2022

      Mars Express replied:
      When were England one nil up, with fifteen minutes to go?

  • Comment posted by Jumpersforgoalposts, at 21:10 14 Dec 2022

    Take a bow Morocco and your fans..been blimmin wonderful having you here.

    • Reply posted by spinkbottle, at 21:32 14 Dec 2022

      spinkbottle replied:
      Yes! Just stop whistling though. It's pathetic!

  • Comment posted by Otm Shank, at 21:13 14 Dec 2022

    Morocco have nothing to be ashamed of. They gave France a game and were pressing well up until the 2nd sucker punch goal. They have been a joy to watch and I hope they continue to do as well going forward. Well done Atlas Lions!! Be proud 🇲🇦 🇲🇦

    • Reply posted by User0921224906, at 21:15 14 Dec 2022

      User0921224906 replied:
      They already did themselves proud when they topped their group and even made it here in the first place. Now I hope they can continue on in the AFCON Cup of Nations and then the following World Cup in Canada.(I'll definitely be going there live)

  • Comment posted by D1690188813470, at 21:18 14 Dec 2022

    Lots of bitterness on here still from Saturday I see. England didn't dominate France it was an equal game either side could have won. The reality is France gifted England two penalties from poor discipline. Morocco gave France a good game tonight but at 1-0 down from early on were always up against it and Giroud missed a great chance to put the game to bed in 1st half. It'll be a close final.

    • Reply posted by kennyw, at 21:50 14 Dec 2022

      kennyw replied:
      Well said.

  • Comment posted by CleverHound, at 21:15 14 Dec 2022

    "It's coming home, it's coming home, a stray cat's coming home."

    England will probably lose that too.....

    • Reply posted by DavidM, at 21:17 14 Dec 2022

      DavidM replied:
      Hilarious!!! Well done you!

  • Comment posted by marble, at 21:12 14 Dec 2022

    Every Country wants their team to lift the cup. It hurts to see your team get knocked out. I wanted England to win it but the hard truth is that we do not have the winning mentality at this time but we are getting closer. France and Argentina have that X factor to get them across the line.

    • Reply posted by SouthAfricaRWCChamps, at 21:14 14 Dec 2022

      SouthAfricaRWCChamps replied:
      You need a minimum of 1 world class player as well as the mentality!!

  • Comment posted by D1691329548205, at 20:59 14 Dec 2022

    Good game, unlucky Morocco just one game too many for them nobody really expected them to beat the world champions

    • Reply posted by liverpool supporter right here, at 21:07 14 Dec 2022

      liverpool supporter right here replied:
      Anti football teams are in the third place play off. Fifa has won

  • Comment posted by NB22, at 20:59 14 Dec 2022

    France expected to win and they did.

    Morocco can hold their heads held high.
    They just took one too many touchea when they got in the final 3rd.
    They have done their country proud with their passion, desire and heart and the fans have shown brilliant support, too bad they didn't get a goal to cheer at least.

    Onto the final which is too close to call, may the best team win.

    • Reply posted by liverpool supporter right here, at 21:02 14 Dec 2022

      liverpool supporter right here replied:
      They missed Saiss so badly tonight

  • Comment posted by D1696017996680, at 20:57 14 Dec 2022

    That pretty much ran according to the safe money; Morocco gave everything they have and gave France a proper test and France had quality enough to make the difference.
    Considering the players France wasn't able to bring to this tournament, the fact they are in another final speaks volumes about the calibre of their players, Manager and coaching staff.
    Hopefully the final will be a belter.

    • Reply posted by AussieBob, at 21:16 14 Dec 2022

      AussieBob replied:
      I’m glad someone mentioned the fact that a lot of the best French players weren’t at the World Cup.

  • Comment posted by lawman, at 21:00 14 Dec 2022

    They gave it a real go Morrocco. Unfortunately for them, France are a very strong team.
    Morrocco gave it their all which is all you can ask.
    They've been immense in this World cup.
    Beyoned everyone's expectations.
    France look a good solid unit. Better off without Pogba.
    Should be good final. France vs Messi.
    Think Messi will just shade it..

    • Reply posted by D1682552405157, at 21:13 14 Dec 2022

      D1682552405157 replied:
      What will his teammates do?

Scores, Results & Fixtures

Wednesday 14th December 2022

As It Stood

A

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Netherlands 3 2 1 0 5 1 4 7
2 Senegal 3 2 0 1 5 4 1 6
3 Ecuador 3 1 1 1 4 3 1 4
4 Qatar 3 0 0 3 1 7 -6 0

B

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 England 3 2 1 0 9 2 7 7
2 USA 3 1 2 0 2 1 1 5
3 Iran 3 1 0 2 4 7 -3 3
4 Wales 3 0 1 2 1 6 -5 1

C

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Argentina 3 2 0 1 5 2 3 6
2 Poland 3 1 1 1 2 2 0 4
3 Mexico 3 1 1 1 2 3 -1 4
4 Saudi Arabia 3 1 0 2 3 5 -2 3

D

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 France 3 2 0 1 6 3 3 6
2 Australia 3 2 0 1 3 4 -1 6
3 Tunisia 3 1 1 1 1 1 0 4
4 Denmark 3 0 1 2 1 3 -2 1

E

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Japan 3 2 0 1 4 3 1 6
2 Spain 3 1 1 1 9 3 6 4
3 Germany 3 1 1 1 6 5 1 4
4 Costa Rica 3 1 0 2 3 11 -8 3

F

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Morocco 3 2 1 0 4 1 3 7
2 Croatia 3 1 2 0 4 1 3 5
3 Belgium 3 1 1 1 1 2 -1 4
4 Canada 3 0 0 3 2 7 -5 0

G

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Brazil 3 2 0 1 3 1 2 6
2 Switzerland 3 2 0 1 4 3 1 6
3 Cameroon 3 1 1 1 4 4 0 4
4 Serbia 3 0 1 2 5 8 -3 1

H

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Portugal 3 2 0 1 6 4 2 6
2 South Korea 3 1 1 1 4 4 0 4
3 Uruguay 3 1 1 1 2 2 0 4
4 Ghana 3 1 0 2 5 7 -2 3
View full FIFA World Cup tables

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