JAKARTA - France successfully defeated Morocco in the second semifinal match of the 2022 World Cup which was held at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, on Thursday morning WIB. Les Bleus won 2-0 through goals from Theo Hernandez and Randa Kolo Muani.
In this match, France made two changes to their starting line-up. Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano are confirmed to be absent from defending Les Bleus in this match due to illness, while Youssouf Fofana will play Rabiot in midfield who have featured in five French matches so far.
Ibrahima Konate replaces Upamecano as Raphael Varane's partner at the heart of the French defense, but Upamecano's name is still on the list of players sitting on the bench. The rest, Didier Deschamps fielded the same players as against England in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Morocco, who became the first African team and the first Arab team to reach the World Cup semifinals, put up centre-back duo Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui after they recovered from injury problems that saw them miss a 1-0 win over Portugal in the quarter-finals.
Morocco coach Walidragui chose a three-back center-back formation, with captain Romain Saiss confirmed to have played from the start after suffering an injury against Portugal. Midfielder Semalah and full-back Yahya Attiat-Allah this time sat on the bench.
In the first half, France demonstrated an attacking game from the start that made Morocco missed by Theo Hernandez's quick goal. In the fifth minute, left-back AC Milan successfully took advantage of the Morocco defender's panic which was too focused on Olivier Giroud. Didier Deschamps' side led one ball.
The finish from Theo Hernandez 🎯#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/0x1iCRMjgL
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022
The Atlas Lion team came out to attack and tried to reply through Azzedine Ounahi after receiving Noussair Mazraoui's pass from outside the penalty box. However, his efforts still failed. The ball was successfully tamed by Hugo Lloris.
Now it's Achraf Hakimi's turn. The Paris Saint-Germain star got a chance through a free kick. Unfortunately, again has not managed to produce any results. Judge Ziyech's attempt to receive Sofiane Boufal's pass in the 16th minute also only sideways to the right side of the Tottenham Hotspur club goalkeeper.
Giroud almost widened the goal difference after his left foot kick only resulted in a woodwork alias hitting the post. Then Raphael Varane's right foot kick from inside the penalty box also went wide to the right of the Morocco goal escorted by Yassine Bounou.
Walid Reragu's men have a 56 percent lead compared to France's 44 percent. However, the 1-0 score for France's advantage lasted until halftime.
In the second half, France immediately took the initiative to attack. Kylian Mbappe repeatedly troubled the Morocco defense where at one moment Sofyan Amrabat dropped the PSG star on the edge of the penalty box. However, the referee refused to give Les Bleus a free kick.
Morocco hit back in the 53rd minute by carrying out repeated attacks on Lloris' goal. Again, their efforts have yet to come to fruition.
Asymptomatic attack, the Atlas Lion had to suffer after Randal Kolo Muani scored just 44 seconds after coming on to replace Ousmane Dembele. Receiving Mbappe's pass in the goal mouth, the Frankfurt Eintracht striker ripped Bono's goal without mercy. France took the 2-0 lead.
Right place, right time 💥#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/zeiuBjKElV
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022
No additional goals were created in the remaining minutes of the game. France is confirmed to the final and will serve Argentina who beat Croatia three goals without reply in the previous match.
This is a rematch of the last 16 of the World Cup four years ago in Russia at which time Les Bleus defeated Albiceleste 4-3.
France are through to the final! 👊@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022
Lineup:
France (4-3-3): Hugo Lloris (captain); Jules Kunde, Raphael Varane, Ibrahima Konate, Theo Hernandez; Antoine Griezmann, Aurelien Tchouameni, Youssouf Fofana; Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe
Coach: Didier Deschamps (France)
Morocco (3-4-3): Yassine Bounou; Jawad El Yamiq, Romain Saiss (captain), Nayef Aguerd; Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Noussair Mazraoui; Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal
Coach: Walid Reragui (Maroko)
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