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Defeat against France - Morocco's World Cup myth ends with semi-finals

Defeat against France – Morocco’s World Cup myth ends with semi-finals

  • In the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, France beat Morocco 2-0.
  • Full-back Theo Hernandez scores after 5 minutes, and Randall Colo Mane decides the match in the 79th minute.
  • France meets Argentina in the final on Sunday (4:00 pm live on SRF Zwei).

Morocco had conceded only one goal on its way to the World Cup semi-finals. Defense was North Africa’s masterpiece. In the round of 16 against Spain and in the quarter-finals against Portugal, she was very strong. As for France, it only took 5 minutes before goalkeeper Bono had to knock the ball out of the net.

Responsible for this was French full-back Theo Hernandez, who acrobaticly put the ball into the goal from a few meters away. On the other hand, a series of unfortunate circumstances, which is why the ball fell to Hernandez in the first place: Jawad Al Yamak slid first, giving Antoine Griezmann a clear run. A cross then reached Kylian Mbappe, who nonetheless saw his score boxed twice. From the last block, and Ashraf Dares’ knee, the ball flew straight to Hernandez, ready to score.

Morocco with bad luck with injuries

Defender Dari was briefly included in the North African starting line-up because Naif Aguierd, who was supposed to be on the field, was unable to play. After 20 minutes, the Moroccans made their next injury-related substitution. As in the quarterfinals, captain and defense captain Romain Sais could not continue playing.

Just before that, the 32-year-old was told he wasn’t at full strength. Olivier Giroud broke away easily from the center back and went to Bono alone. Al-Qaim prevented 2-0 after 17 minutes.

Post and Lloris prevent equivalence

Despite being behind for the first time in this World Cup and the various failures, the Moroccans did not give up. With an extraordinary amount of ball possession, they looked for offense. The right defender had the best chances. After a corner kick, he spectacularly began taking an overhead kick. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris blocked the post 1: 1 in the 44th minute.

Even after changing sides, the “Atlas Lions” remained at least equal to the French. They dared to attack from a safe defensive position – but the final, crucial pass just didn’t want to work. The French leg has always been in the middle.

Kolo Muani only takes a few seconds

On the other hand, it was Mbappe who initiated the decision. The star dribbled across the penalty area and saw his deflected shot finally converted by Randall Kolo Mwani. The striker was substituted with just 44 seconds left. The Moroccans weren’t lucky with that goal either.

Here’s how to proceed

For the best African team in history, the dream of winning the World Cup title came to an end in the semi-finals. France, on the other hand, is just one win away from the team’s first title defense since Brazil 1962. The big final takes place in Qatar on Sunday at 4:00pm at Lusail Stadium. France meets Argentina. Morocco exchanges one day ago with Croatia for third place.