France through to World Cup final

Morocco’s dream run in the World Cup ended in the semi-final as they were defeated by the defending champions France by 0-2 at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday. Les Bleus will face the South American powerhouse Argentina in the final on Sunday.

France got an early lead as Theo Hernandez found the back of the net in the fifth minute of the match. He held his composure from close range to beat Yassine Bounou. 

The Europen giants cut Morocco open down the inside-right channel as Raphael Varane released Antoine Griezmann. He offloaded back to Kylian Mbappe who saw two strikes blocked. However, the rebound from his second effort fell kindly for Hernandez to score with a fine finish.

Morocco did respond as Azz-Eddine Ounahi tested Hugo Lloris who produced a solid save, while Jawad El Yamiq struck the post with an overhead kick. France, too, had chances to take command with Olivier Giroud missing two good opportunities and no more goal was scored in the first half.

The Atlas Lions tried hard to find the equaliser after the break. They got so close a number of times but failed to convert any of those into a goal.

On the other hand, Randal Kolo Muani doubled the lead in the 79th minute for France just after coming off the bench. It was his first touch on the ball and his first international goal.

Mbappe caused havoc in the final third as he twisted and turned to fire towards the goal. His effort was charged down but Kolo Muani got the ball from the rebound to steer the ball past Bounou from six yards.

France are the first team to play in successive World Cup finals since Brazil in 2002 and will aim to win the crown for the second time in a row.