By Victor Kanayo
France showed defending champions stuff to seal another consecutive final place at the 2022 World Cup after they defeated surprise package Morocco 2-0 in the second semi-final clash.
The French men will now face Argentina in what promises to be a cracker of a final in Qatar on Sunday December 18, 2022.
The first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final refused to buckle despite suffering the early blows of losing key defender Nayef Aguerd to injury after he was named in the starting line-up, and then going behind to Theo Hernandez’s scrambled fifth minute goal.
France, for all Morocco’s endeavour and spirit, were more clinical and substitute Kolo Muani ensured they will defend their crown against Argentina and Lionel Messi at Lusail Stadium on Sunday when he turned in Kylian Mbappe’s deflected shot 11 minutes from time.
Morocco also lost the clearly unfit Romain Saiss to injury before half-time but, roared on by their fanatical support, they came close to drawing level, especially when Jawad El Yamiq’s overhead kick was kept out by a combination of the post and France keeper Hugo Lloris.
France, with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate outstanding, kept their composure in the hothouse atmosphere of Al Bayt Stadium and had chances of their own.
Morocco will play Croatia in the third place, hoping to lift bronze in the ongoing global soccer fiesta.
