France were pushed all the way by World Cup wild cards Morocco before the holders booked a place in Sunday’s final against Argentina.
The first African side to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup refused to budge despite suffering an early setback with injury to key defender Naif Eguiard after being named in the starting line-up, and then Theo Hernandez’s fifth-minute goal. They fell behind by a goal. .
For all France, Morocco’s effort and passion, a more clinical and substitute Randall Kolo Mevani ensured they would defend their crown against Argentina and Lionel Messi at the Lucille Stadium on Sunday when he scored 11 minutes from time. Kylian Mbappé’s deflected shot from distance.
Morocco also lost a visibly 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 Yamq’s overhead kick A combination of Post and France keeper Hugo kept out.
France, with Liverpool defender Ibrahim Konate, held their nerve in the hothouse atmosphere at Albeit Stadium and had chances of their own, with Olivier Giroud hitting the post in the first half.
Didier Deschamps’ side always threaten on the break and so it proved as the lurking Muani finally broke Morocco’s resistance with his first touch, after 44 seconds, for France’s first goal.
France stayed cool on the way to glory.
France needed to hold their nerve to become the first country to retain the World Cup for 60 years since Brazil’s victories in 1958 and 1962.
They faced a wall of sound from the Moroccan support, with ear-splitting whistles whenever they had it, and while it wasn’t a classic performance, France remained organized and held on to eliminate Qatar. Performed the task of setting up the final of two giants. World Cup.
Conte, with Davit Apamacano missing match fitness, epitomizes French solidarity and coach Deschamps will be hard-pressed to make changes in this key defensive position on Sunday.
And of course, Mbappe’s narrative against Messi will come to a head on Sunday as France look to repeat their 2018 triumph in Moscow when they beat Croatia in the final.
The understated Deschamps has assembled a France team led by the brilliant Mbappe and they ride their luck at times.
France, however, are in another World Cup final and the 54-year-old Deschamps, who captained them to the crown on home soil in 1998, has now won the tournament twice as a coach. There is an opportunity to do so.
Moroccan Pride Night
Morocco’s players and coaching staff were given a standing ovation by their supporters, a real highlight of this World Cup, when they walked over to receive the applause after the final whistle.
And it was thoroughly deserved after another performance of talent and character that showed exactly why they have been such a wonderful surprise package at this World Cup.
Morocco coach Waleed Regragai could have been forgiven for feeling that luck was against him after falling behind as well as losing key players before and shortly after kick-off.
Not a bit of it.
Inspired by the brilliant Sufian Amrabat, Morocco redoubled their efforts and came close to restoring parity when El Yamq’s effort was kept out by the combination of the post and Lloris.
Morocco also had a clear penalty appeal waved aside in the first half when goalscorer Hernandez brought down Sofiane Boufl in the area. Not only was the spot kick not awarded, Bofl was mysteriously shown a yellow card.
Yet Morocco pushed on after the break but they squandered chances with a reluctance to shoot, the failure of which left them vulnerable to France’s second goal, which duly arrived.
Morocco may have been defeated in the end but what a journey it has been for the World Cup and African football as they beat Belgium, Spain and Portugal – the three elites of the world game – to reach the last four.
It’s a fantastic platform to build on and Morocco have given their fans World Cup memories that will last forever after this campaign in Qatar.
