France booked a place in the 2022 World Cup final after defeating Morocco, 2-0. The win gives France the chance to be the first repeat World Cup champions since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
As a result, Morocco goes down to the match for third place. Still, this is the best finish for an African team in the World Cup.
Throughout the tournament, Morocco relied on a strong defensive game. He stole a goal from a set piece or endured penalties, as he did against Spain. For reference, no team scored against Morocco during their five World Cup games in 2022. The only concession was an own goal against Canada. Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, or Bono, has a legitimate shot at winning the best goalkeeper award.
The problem was the other team’s offense. France has an embarrassment of riches across the countryside. So it’s only fitting that two players who weren’t destined to start or even appear in the tournament would win each other’s nets.
Unlikely French goalscorers
All the chatter of this World Cup in the French field was the play of Kylian Mbappé with five goals. Or, he focused on Olivier Giroud setting the French goalscoring record with four goals.
However, it did not focus on Theo Hernández. The left back was a reserve for his brother, Lucas Hernández. However, when Lucas was seriously injured against Australia in the first group game, Theo fit in naturally.
He attempted a wild high kick after a deflected shot past Bono. It was only his second goal with the national team. The other actually sent France to the UEFA Nations League final in 2021. It was 1-0 for France in the first five minutes.
Then Randall Kolo Muani scored the surefire goal in the 79th minute. The interesting fact about Kolo Muani is that Didier Deschamps did not originally select the player for the World Cup. Instead, he only joined the team as Christopher Nkunku’s replacement. Surprisingly, that was Kolo Muani’s first goal for the French team. It’s not a bad time to get it.
France reaches another World Cup final
Morocco had more of the ball. The Atlas Lions had 62% of possession to France’s 38%. However, Hugo Lloris and the French defense always had an answer. The only time he didn’t, the post denied a goal. Jawad El Yamiq tried a Chilean kick that forced Lloris to dive desperately. Then, the dry blow from the post denied the tie.
France were the best team of the day, even if Morocco looked perhaps the most creative. The early departure due to injury of Romain Saiss, one of the tournament’s defenders, did not favor the protection of Moroccan security at the back. That said, Morocco did temper Kylian Mbappé’s attempts.
Now, France has an appointment with Argentina in the World Cup final. In many ways, it is a battle of the ages. Kylian Mbappé, at just 23, may have two World Cups to his name before he really reaches the top of his career. Or, Lionel Messi can close his international career with the only trophy he’s missing. Sunday’s World Cup final ticks all the boxes for a fantastic intercontinental showdown.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Ulmer/Team Photo
World Cup 2022 Guide
Here are some resources to help you make the most of the biggest event in soccer!
