FIFA World Cup 2022: France beat Morocco 2-0 to set up final showdown with Argentina

France’s super-sub Kolo Muani scoring the second goal for his team against Morocco in FIFA World Cup 2022 semi-final clash at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday night. Image Courtesy: Twitter @FIFAWorldCup

Xtra Time Web Desk: Goals from Theo Hernandez (5’) and super-sub Randal Kolo Muani (79’) saw reigning world champions France beat Morocco 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2022 semi-final at the Al Bayt stadium on Wednesday night. France will now take on Argentina in the final on Sunday at the Lusail Iconic stadium. Didier Deschamps side will be seeking to become the first side to win two consecutive World Cups since Brazil in 1962.

The Les Bleus took the lead after only five minutes when Theo Hernandez finished acrobatically from close range. The move was created by Antoine Griezmann as El Yamik error allowed him to cut the ball back for Mbappe, whose shot was blocked before falling to Hernandez to convert.

Morocco, who became the first African side to play in the semi final of World Cup did put up a spirited fight after conceding the goal with Jawad El Yamiq striking the post. But France showed their tournament pedigree, defending resolutely then seizing their chance to kill the game when Kolo Muani slid home Kylian Mbappe’s deflected effort at the far post in the 79th minute, his first international goal leaving the Moroccans heartbroken.

France will now face Argentina, who beat Croatia 3-0 in the other semi-final on Tuesday night. The entire football fraternity will be looking forward to a mouth-watering battle between Paris Saint Germain stars Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the final show-down on Sunday at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.