The Cinderella story at 2022 FIFA World Cup ended on Wednesday, as France eliminated Morocco, 2-0, at the Al Bayt Stadium to end the semi-final and send France to a second consecutive World Cup final. The French are now the fifth defending champions to reach the World Cup final, joining 1938 Italy, 1962 Brazil, 1990 Argentina and 1998 Brazil.
France now face Argentina in Sunday’s championship game (at 10 a.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app), while Morocco receives Croatia on Saturday in the third-place game (at 10 a.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).
France vs Morocco Highlights | 2022 FIFA World Cup
Congratulations to the two all-time greats!
Here were the top plays!
France 2, Morocco 0
5′: Goal! Hernández leads France 1-0
Theo Hernández started the attack from inside the box, giving France a 1-0 lead. It was only the second goal Morocco have conceded at this World Cup, the first being an own goal.
France’s Theo Hernandez scores against Morocco in the 5′.
10′: Morocco almost equalized
French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris saved the shot from outside the penalty area. Azzedine Ounahi kept France in the lead 1-0.
17′: Out of the post!
Olivier Giroud hit the left post with his left foot from outside the penalty area.
24′: Moroccan fans full of energy!
36′: Giroud just over!
France had two chances when Youssouf Fofana missed a chance and then Giroud shot just wide inside the penalty area.
39′: A great tackle blocks France’s chance
Jawad El Yamiq made a huge tackle to deny France a golden chance inside the penalty area.
44′: So close! Almost the goal of the tournament!
El Yamiq had a nice shot from the bouncing ball in the Bicycle Kick, but he was denied by the post!
52′: Mbappé goes down
Kylian Mbappé is tackled and receives medical treatment on the field.
53′: Morocco fans can feel the momentum changing
65′: Athleticism still strong
79′: Goal! France leads 2-0 late
Randal Kolo Muani scored a penalty from inside, even though he only entered the game a minute earlier!
France’s Randal Kolo Muani scores a goal against Morocco in the 79th.
92′: Mbappé doing Mbappé things
94′: Morocco almost got the first!
Abderazak Hamdallah’s left-footed shot was blocked in front of the net and France sent him off. This result would be the final result of the match.
France can celebrate now!
The game respects the game
Moroccan fans show their respect
Look forward
Foreplay:
Setting the stage
Wednesday’s match will be the sixth overall between France and Morocco, the first at the World Cup. Morocco will be hoping this match is different, as France are unbeaten in their last five matches (3-2-0).
France are the first defending World Cup champions to reach the semi-finals since Brazil in 1998. A win would make France just the fifth defending champion to reach the World Cup finals, joining Italy in 1938, Brazil in 1962, Argentina in 1990 and Brazil in 1998.
On the other hand, Morocco is the first African country to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, and a win would make them the first team outside of CONMEBOL and UEFA to reach the World Cup final.
The trip to the finals is on the line
Friendship can wait
Kylian Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi may be teammates at PSG and friends off the pitch, but today they are two of the best in the world in their respective countries.
Morocco’s wild journey here
My request has arrived
France takes the field
A huge ovation for Morocco as they entered the pitch
Morocco fans bring energy to the pre-game!
Right the significance of jersey colors worldwide
Friend vs. friend for a place in the finals
Mbappé checks the fan during warm-ups
Morocco fans are ready!
Almost time
The semi-finals of France and Morocco and the National Anthems in the semi-final match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup
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