Al Khor, Qatar – France have put an end to Morocco’s dream of reaching a World Cup final, with a 2-0 victory that puts them on a path towards a potentially epic second straight World Cup victory.
Twenty-three-year-old phenom Kylian Mbappe was pivotal to both of France’s goals. His deflected effort barely five minutes into Wednesday’s match set up Theo Hernandez, while a magnificent attempt in the 79th minute led to Randal Kolo Muani’s easy tap-in to put the tense game to bed, Al-Jazeera reported.
Morocco, the first African team to ever play in a World Cup semifinal, was causing problems for the reigning world champions throughout the encounter at Al Bayt Stadium, as they dominated possession and kept French keeper Hugo Lloris busy.
Sofyan Amrabat recovered possession of the ball 51 times during the 2022 World Cup, the most of any player on record at a single edition for an African nation (1966 onwards), according to OptaJoe.
51 – Sofyan Amrabat recovered possession of the ball 51 times during the 2022 World Cup, the most of any player on record at a single edition for an African nation (1966 onwards). Hustle. pic.twitter.com/XYJXTqrM5l
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 14, 2022
The Mail Chief Sports Write Oliver Holt wrote on Twitter, “Loved watching Morocco tonight. Loved their defiance and their hunger and their sheer will. Ziyech and Hakimi were brilliant on the right. The narrative driving this World Cup has centred around Messi but in many ways Morocco has been its most positive story.”
Loved watching Morocco tonight. Loved their defiance and their hunger and their sheer will. Ziyech and Hakimi were brilliant on the right. The narrative driving this World Cup has centred around Messi but in many ways Morocco has been its most positive story.
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) December 14, 2022
France are the first nation to reach back-to-back World Cup finals since Brazil in 2002, and first European country to do so since Germany in 1990.
2018/2022 – France are the first nation to reach back-to-back World Cup finals since Brazil in 2002, and first European country to do so since Germany in 1990. Generation. pic.twitter.com/wWiJfKMq8r
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 14, 2022
The Atlas Lions will now face 2018 finalists Croatia in the third-place playoff on Saturday, which will end their storybook run at the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, 2018 winners France dream of their own fairytale ending, hoping to become the first back-to-back winners since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
On Sunday, they will face Argentina at Lusail Stadium, with Mbappe and Argentina legend Lionel Messi set to lead the two sides into a highly anticipated battle on the pitch.
Some of the reactions online in which fans show love to Moroccan team:
I’m sorry but this is the cutest #MoroccoVsFrance pic.twitter.com/wcN96GBinE
— sweetie darlin (@stxceolika) December 14, 2022
You are not in the finals but you already won it for millions around the world. #MoroccoVsFrance #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/9mnzFDBBbo
— Ahmer Khan (@ahmermkhan) December 14, 2022
This Moroccan supporter is a great man. After the game was over, he went to this French boy with a disability and celebrated with him. This is what the World Cup is about ❤️#MoroccoVsFrance #FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/UcWZwJzCVV
— Mohammed Fahad Kamal (@mfk600) December 14, 2022
In a final act of humility and class, Morocco’s team prostrate to Allah swt in thankfulness following a historic Qatar World Cup run.
Make no mistake, Morocco go home winners! ☪️ ❤#MoroccoVsFrance #Islam #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/NOLYPn3iHp
— Robert Carter (@Bob_cart124) December 15, 2022