France defeated Morocco 2-0 on Wednesday to advance to the World Cup final against Argentina. Goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani made it possible.

After another strong showing at Al Bayt Stadium, Didier Deschamps' team became the first defending champions since Brazil in 1998 to advance to the championship game.

4Hernandez scored as France quickly took the lead against Africa's first World Cup semifinalist, even though Morocco had been in control for the majority of the match.

The pressure didn't pay off, as Kolo Muani's second goal in the 79th minute ensured that France's quest to become just the third team to successfully defend its world championship would continue into Sunday's championship match against Argentina.

After Kylian Mbappe had two shots blocked, the second one deflected to the left-back, who skillfully finished at the back post, giving France an early lead.

After Jawad El Yamiq denied Kylian Mbappe with a last-ditch clearing, Olivier Giroud hammered a left-footed effort against Yassine Bounou's right post and then missed a wonderful opportunity to score.

On the verge of halftime, El Yamiq came close to tying the score with a fantastic overhead kick from Hakim Ziyech's corner, but Hugo Lloris and his right post saved them.

After the break, with Deschamps' team held back, Raphael Varane made a crucial intervention to deny Youssef En-Nesyri, and France went on to win with 11 minutes left.

Morocco's incredible run came to an end when Kolo Muani, who had just come off the bench, was in position to finish off a deflected Mbappe shot at the far post. Les Bleus are about to accomplish a remarkable achievement.

France advanced to their fourth consecutive World Cup semi-final by defeating Morocco after narrowly defeating England in an exciting quarter-final (also in 1998, 2006 and 2018).

Morocco, led by Walid Regraguis, advanced to the final four by defeating Belgium, Spain, and Portugal with tenacious defensive displays. However, France proved to be too much of a challenge. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will present the final challenge for Les Bleus as they try to become the third team to successfully defend their title, following Brazil (1962) and Italy (1938).

HERNANDEZ, A HERO

Since 1958, when Vava scored for Brazil against France, Hernandez's opening goal in the World Cup semifinal was timed at four minutes and 39 seconds.

The Milan defender was tasked with controlling the vivacious Ziyech and impressed by winning seven of his eight duels and gaining possession from each of his four tackles. He was scrutinized after the England game and is still largely operating without Mbappe's assistance.

ACCIDENTS PLAGUE DEFIANT MOROCCO

Prior to this match, Nayef Aguerd, Roman Saiss, and Noussair Mazraoui were all questionable due to injuries. All were initially listed in the starting lineup, however Aguerd was absent, Saiss left the game before halftime, and Mazraoui was substituted after the interval.

Regragui's fitness bet did not pay off; Mazraoui only won one of his six duels before being substituted at halftime, while Saiss' injury nearly lost Morocco the game when Giroud broke free and hit the post in the first half.

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Deye Muel

Psychologist and Blogger.

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