World Cup: France ends Morocco’s dream with 2-0

France will play Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final after the defending champions defeated Morocco 2-0 on Wednesday.

It took Theo Hernandez just five minutes to open the scoring after a goalmouth scramble. Jawad El Yamiq came close to scoring an equaliser with a stunning overhead kick, only for his acrobatic shot to be tipped onto the post by Hugo Lloris.

Morocco piled on pressure late in the match but France secured their place in Sunday’s showpiece final when substitute Randal Kolo Muani scored with his first touch of the match.

Amrabat: We played a good game but it was not enough

Sofyan Amrabat spoke to Fox after Morocco’s loss, saying: “After a game like this it’s difficult to think (of positives) for the players. When you are so near to the final you want to play the final.”

On the support of Morocco’s fans: “Like I said, incredible. The stadium was full of Moroccans. The whole tournament they were with us. They were amazing. Because of them we did this. But also for them, we wanted to give them a final.”

On the French team: “It’s clear they could make three teams, they have so much quality. Our strength this tournament was scoring first. But they did that tonight. They are strong in defence and attack. We played a good game but it was not enough today.”

France have won all seven of their World Cup knockout games since the start of the 2018 tournament, never even being faced with extra time.

In the history of the tournament, only Brazil from 1958 to 1970 (nine) have ever had a longer winning run in knockout matches (excluding all group stages but including group play-off matches).

France have reached the World Cup final for a fourth time. All of those appearances have come since 1998 (1998, 2006, 2018, 2022), twice as many as any other nation in this period.

-The Athletic