Qatar 2022: France End Morocco’s World Cup Fairytale

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  • Les Blues dismiss Atlas Lions 2-0
  • Messi vs Mbappe showdown on Sunday 
France first goal

BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – A fifth-minute goal from Théo Hernandez and a second-half tap in by Randal Kolo Muani on Wednesday night effectively heralded World Cup holders, France into Sunday’s final where they will meet Copa American champions, Argentina

On the night that the Moroccans’ fairytale was over, France’s substitute Randal Muani also had a little fairytale of his own. It was created by Mbappe, who zig-zagged thrillingly between two players on the edge of the penalty box. Mbappe’s shot hit Ezzalzouli, who has also just come on and ricocheted across the area to give Muani an open goal.

Though there were some tears, the North Africans certainly have nothing to be ashamed of because they gave their all on the pitch, only losing to an experienced team that is focused on a successful defence of their coveted crown.

With Morocco dominating possession for the first time in the tournament, it turned out a hard-fought victory for France as Hernandez’s early goal as well as injuries to the Atlas Lions defence line changed the pattern of the game drastically.

The World Cup semi-final encounter played at Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar saw both teams hitting the post, missing excellent chances, and there were plenty of nervous moments for France before the substitute Muani scored with his first touch in the 79th minute.

But on the whole, France did enough, as they have throughout the tournament really. They are one game away from making history; Morocco have already done that.

So on parade this Sunday inside the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, it is Argentina versus France, or call it Messi versus Mbappe. Four years ago, these two sides met in the second round of the 2018 World Cup in Russia and it was France that came from behind to win a seven-goal thriller that ended 4-3.

The Blues we’re the favourites coming into this match and they showed their quality when Hernandez broke the deadlock with a sensational acrobatic strike in the fourth minute.

The Atlas Lions had a few chances of their own but they couldn’t beat Hugo Lloris in the France goal as the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper produced fine saves to keep Hakim Ziyech’s teammates at bay.

Interestingly, the Moroccan defence ably contained Kylian Mbappe who is among the favourites to win the World Cup Golden Ball. Mbappe has now failed to score in his last two matches in Qatar.

The victory sees the Les Blues progressing to the final with the hope of becoming the first team to successfully retain the World Cup title since Brazil did so when they won the trophy in 1954 and 1958.

Bring it on! Sunday promises a whole lot of excitement for football pundits and fans as Mbappe, at just 23 years of age, will play in his second World Cup final.

But standing in his way to achieving this great feat will be Argentine super star, Lionel Messi. That means the football world is set for an epic direct battle for the biggest prize in world football, the Golden Boot, the Golden Ball and the Ballon d’Or.

However, for Morocco, though their hopes of becoming the first African team to reach the final of this prestigious tournament ended following the narrow loss, they will leave Qatar with their heads held up high having made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the last four stage of the Mundial.

No doubt, the Atlas Lions still have a date with history as they tackle Croatia in the third-place playoff encounter at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan. – With agency reports 

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