France secures the second spot in the World Cup final after ending Morocco's historic run with a 2-0 win on Wednesday at the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar.
Now they're aiming for a back-to-back World Cup title - and the only thing obstructing that goal is team Argentina.
Defending champion France has managed to reach their fourth World Cup final.
France 2 - Morocco 0
On the fifth minute, Theo Hernandez scored with an acrobatic finish, with substitute Randal Kolo Muani tapping home late on as France reached its fourth World Cup final just four years after winning in Russia (World Cup 2018).
Randal Kolo Muani (pictured) celebrates with teammates after scoring France's second goal against Morocco.
As for Morocco, the first African team to reach the semifinal stage of the World Cup, can go home with their heads held high after racing France close before Kolo Muani's decisive strike.
France is the first defending World Cup champion to have successfully reached the final in 20 years.
France captain Hugo Lloris said after the game:
"Here we go again. It's just an amazing feeling. We suffered a lot, especially in the second half. We played too deep and they showed they're not a team only focused on defending. They know how to attack. They deserve a lot of credit for this World Cup."
"Now the last step, the most difficult."
World Cup Final
Lionel Messi will lead his country against France in pursuit of his first ever World Cup title.
France seeks to win back-to-back World Cup titles.
For France, an intense final against Argentina at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday will see Kylian Mbappé face his PSG teammate, Messi, as the two nations clash to decide which team is the 2022 World Cup champion.
Argentina is aiming for a third title, while Les Bleus is attempting to become the first side to retain the World Cup since Brazil managed the feat 60 years ago.
France coach Didier Deschamps said:
"Obviously this was an important match. There will be one last one. It's been a month we're together with the players. It's never easy.
But it's been such a joy until now, and that my players, the group has been compensated for this success. We're going to go after the title on Sunday.
We're going to take the time. I tell this to my staff and players: ‘Take every moment in the day to really appreciate and savor the moment.' In four days, we are going to play for a world title. We'll enjoy it now and get ready for the last match of this World Cup."
Up Next
Up next, Croatia will play against Morocco in the third-place game on Saturday.
After that, it will be Argentina vs France for the World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday, December 18.
No matter what happens in the semifinals, this World Cup will be historic!
- Lionel Messi may win his first World Cup
- France may be the first team in 60 years to retain the World Cup title
Who's your favorite team to win at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022?
Source:
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/qatar2022
https://edition.cnn.com/2022/12/14/football/france-morocco-semifinal-2022-world-cup-spt-intl/index.html