France entered the final of FIFA World Cup 2022 with a 2-0 victory over Morocco. Defending champions France now have the opportunity to become the third country to win back- to-back World Cup trophy after Italy (1930 & 1934) and Brazil (1958 & 1962).
Morocco, which became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of FIFA World Cup will vie for the third place against Croatia.
They’ve done a continent proud 🇲🇦❤️ pic.twitter.com/4inOVLn7nz
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022
France began on a strong note and they took the lead in the tenth minute through an acrobatic finish by left back Hernandez.
The lead to France’s goal was initiated by Varane. The central defender sent a long through ball to Griezmann, who passed on the ball to Mbappe.
Mbappe’s shot was blocked but it looped to the path of Hernandez.
Hernandez made an acrobatic finish as an advancing keeper Bono was caught in no-man’s land.
The finish from Theo Hernandez 🎯#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/0x1iCRMjgL
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022
France’s lead was almost doubled by Giroud unleashed a powerful left footer which hit the right post in the 17th minute.
Giroud missed the target yet again in the 36th minute as he collected a rebound and shot wide from close range.
Morocco almost equalised at the end of first half. Giroud headed the ball off a corner kick by Ziyech. An acrobatic overhead kick by Yamiq hit the right post.
Morocco ended the first half with more possessions but the best chances went France’s way.
Morocco had a couple of half chances before the hour marked but couldn’t take them.
In the 76th minute, Hamdallah had two clear opportunities to take a shot on target but was late and closed down by the French defenders.
France scored their second goal after a moment of magic by Mbappe.
Mbappe dribbled with four defenders around him and released a shot on target. The shot was deflected and fell right before an incoming Kolo Muani in the far post for an easy tap in.
Right place, right time đź’Ą#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/zeiuBjKElV
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022
With the second goal in, France was almost assured of victory as the Morocco players showed signs of tiredness and lethargy.
Morocco nearly pulled one goal back in extra time when Aboukhal cut back a pass. The shot by Ounahi was blocked and Hamdallah’s shot off the rebound was cleared off the line by Kounde.
The French defence was well led by veteran Varane, as they maintained a clean sheet and booked their tickets into the final of FIFA World Cup 2022.
