France set up date with Argentina in the World Cup final after defeating Morocco 2-0

France booked tickets to their second successive World Cup final after defeating Morocco 2-0 in the semifinal on Wednesday. Theo Hernandez scored in the fifth minute to give France a 1-0 lead over Morocco at halftime. The left back scored from close range after Kylian Mbappé’s goal-bound shot deflected off teammate Olivier Giroud and into the path of Hernandez.
It was the first goal Morocco has conceded an opposition player in the tournament. The other goal the team allowed was an own-goal. Giroud would get close to adding another when he thundered a shot against the post in the 17th minute.
Substitute Kolo Muani scored France’s second in the 79th minute after an outrageous bit of dribbling from Kylian Mbappe and that was all she wrote for Morocco. They will now face Croatia for the 3rd place playoff on Saturday.
Morocco had to replace two center backs, Nayef Aguerd and Romain Saiss. Aguerd took part in the warmup but didn’t start the game and Saiss came off in the 21st with a hamstring injury.Subscriber Only StoriesPremiumPremiumPremiumPremium
Jawad El Yamiq hit the post for Morocco with an overhead kick in the 44th minute at Al Bayt Stadium.
Earlier, Mbappé started in a three-man attack for France, which has made two changes from the win over England in the quarterfinals.
Ibrahima Konaté replaced Dayot Upamecano at center back and Youssouf Fofana came into midfield in place of Adrien Rabiot. Morocco made a late change to its starting lineup. Achraf Dari started in defense instead of Nayet Aguerd.