Al Khor, 15 December 2022 (TDI): The French Les Bleus faced off against Moroccan Atlas Lions in Al-Bayt stadium on Wednesday. The match witnessed France beating Morocco by 2-0 in a nerve-wracking semi-final.
Although the match knocked Morocco out of the finals. But there is no doubt that the Atlas Lions have displayed a splendid front throughout the FIFA matches.
The team was a source of pride not only for Africa but for the whole Arab and Muslim communities worldwide. They played their last match with defiance, hunger, and steel will against the defending champions.
On the other hand, France has advanced to their second consecutive final, where they will face Lionel Messi and Argentina. They are one victory away from becoming the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962.
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Moreover, they are now the fifth defending champions to reach the World Cup final, joining 1938 Italy, 1962 Brazil, 1990 Argentina & 1998 Brazil.
Match Highlights
The defending world champions took their chances, but Morocco made the match difficult for France. The Atlas Lions took attacking possession on each side of halftime.
Subsequently, France took a 1-0 lead thanks to a shot from inside the box by Theo Hernández. It was only the second goal Morocco allowed in this World Cup.
Morocco was going to put the ball in the net. However, France keeper Hugo Lloris blocked an effort from Azzedine Ounahi well outside the box, keeping France ahead 1-0.
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In the 39th minute, Jawad El Yamiq made a tremendous tackle that prevented a golden opportunity for France inside the box. In the 79th minute, Randal Kolo Muani connected on a pass from inside the box, leading France up by 2-0 against Morocco.
In the very last minute, Abderrazak Hamdallah’s left-footed shot was blocked in front of the net, making Les Bleus the defending champions.
Mbappe Supremacy
Kylian Mbappe has been the main man for Les Bleus, showcasing his speed, and craftiness & finishing to leave France just one win from more glory.
The player will turn 24 two days after the World Cup final, but he has already scored 33 goals for France. Though Mbappe has only played in two World Cups, he has already scored nine goals for France.
As France won the trophy in 2018, he scored four goals, including one in the final. He currently has five goals in 2022, tying him with Argentina’s Lionel Messi for the tournament lead.
