The Al-Bayt Stadium (featured image) filled to its rim was buzzing with excitement as the dark horses Morocco took on the Defending Champions, the mighty France in the second semi- final of the World Cup . With a major exodus from Morocco and across the globe into Qatar for the match, the Moroccan supporters simply outnumbered the French and there was a deafening din as the spectators soaked in the atmosphere. A good contest was on the cards and so it turned out to be.
Moroccans concede early
Theo Hernandez Scores
The Moroccans made a nervy start and starting with an injured Romain Saiss there strong centre back made things difficult for Morocco and for the first time, the Atlas Lions slipped in their defence. Antoine Griezmann who has not put a foot wrong in the Tournament collected a pass and moved quickly from the right flank and centred for Mbappe to strike. The shot was blocked but it ballooned towards the left, where the French left back Theo Hernandez completely unmarked and with acres of space ( rare miss from Morocco ) struck home from close range. This was just the 5th minute and Morocco had conceded their first goal of the Tournament.
Ounahi Strike hits the Post
The injury to Romain Saiss had slowed down the centre back with a heavily strapped thigh and eventually he was substituted in the 21st minute. But the damage had been done. However the Moroccans played some delightful football and pounded the French box so to say, but could not score. Though En-Nesyri hardly had the ball, Boufal, Ziyech, Ounahi, Amrabat and Hakimi combined superbly in the midfield and just before half time Ounahi struck a superb bicycle kick which was denied only by the goal post. The French lead had survived.
Brilliant Mbappe & Muani seal it
As the second half unfolded the French as well as the Moroccans made a few substitutions. Kylian Mbappe with his ferocious speed outpaced his markers time and again and eventually the fatal blow came in the 79th minute. Marcus Thuram and Randal Kuolo Muani came on the field as substitutes. Mbappe made a lovely turn to get away with Thuram to his left giving company. Mbappe dribbled through the crowed brilliantly and passed over to the just arrived Kuolo Muani who tappped the ball home. A piece of magic from Mbappe sealed the match. Kuolo Muani scoring within 44 seconds of him being on the pitch.
France get the better of Morocco
French stand strong to valiant Moroccans
The steely Moroccans never gave up and continued to attack and came close to scoring on several occasions, but the goal remained elusive. Lloris, the French Captain and Goalkeeper, was in exceptional form, making some telling saves. The defence too played out well for the French. Moroccans dominated possession ( 62%), had equal number of shots on goal and had more corners than the French, but the Defending Champions hung on for a famous victory.
The Summit Clash beckons
The Moroccans gave it their all and undoubtedly have scripted the Story of the World Cup. Its just that the Final Act shall be played out between Argentina and France on Sunday. The French would be trying for an encore, with the mercurial Messi and his team trying their best to wrest the World Cup from them. The Moroccan spectators gave a warm send off to their team as the Al-Bayt Stadium bore witness to a fine game of Football.
Its over to the Finals now.
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