Randal Kolo Muani’s goal 44 seconds after coming off the bench helped France defeat Morocco 2-0 in the semifinals, setting up a World Cup final matchup against Argentina.
Theo Hernandez’s acrobatic finish from close range gave the defending champions France the lead after only five minutes, but they had to work hard for their victory. France is attempting to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962.
Following their historic victories over Spain and Portugal, Morocco became the first African team to play in a World Cup semifinal. At Al Bayt Stadium, they faced France and put them under a lot of pressure. Jawad El Yamiq even hit the post as they fought bravely despite injuries.
However, France proved their tournament pedigree by defending staunchly and then grabbing their opportunity to end the match when Kolo Muani slipped home Kylian Mbappe’s deflected effort at the far post in the 79th minute, leaving the Moroccans devastated by his first international goal.
Randal Kolo Muani scored France’s second goal, making it 2-0.
In order to defend their title, France will play Argentina, who defeated Croatia 3-0 in the other semifinal, on Sunday. The match will feature Kylian Mbappe versus Lionel Messi, Mbappe’s teammate at Paris Saint-Germain, and will mark the end of Morocco’s spectacular tournament.
France will take on Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday, with kick-off at 3pm.
Morocco will face Croatia in the third-place play-off on Saturday, the game kicking off at 3pm.
