After another strong showing at Al Bayt Stadium, Didier Deschamps’ team became the first defending champions since Brazil in 1998 to advance to the championship game.
Although Morocco was in control for the majority of the match, Hernandez’s goal gave France the lead against Africa’s first World Cup semifinalists in the fifth minute.
The pressure did not pay off, and Kolo Muani’s second goal in the 79th minute ensured that France’s quest to become just the third team to successfully defend its world championship would continue into Sunday’s championship match against Argentina.
After Kylian Mbappe had two shots blocked, the second one deflected to the left-back, who skillfully finished at the back post, giving France an early lead.
After Jawad El Yamiq denied Kylian Mbappe with a last-ditch clearing, Olivier Giroud hammered a left-footed effort against Yassine Bounou’s right post and then missed a wonderful opportunity to score.
On the verge of halftime, El Yamiq came close to tying the score with a fantastic overhead kick from Hakim Ziyech’s corner, but Hugo Lloris and his right post saved them.
After the break, with Deschamps’ team held back, Raphael Varane made a crucial intervention to deny Youssef En-Nesyri, and France went on to win with 11 minutes left.
Morocco’s incredible run came to an end when Kolo Muani, who had just come off the bench, was in position to finish off a deflected Mbappe shot at the far post.
France advanced to their fourth consecutive World Cup semi-final by defeating Morocco after narrowly defeating England in an exciting quarter-final (also in 1998, 2006 and 2018).
Morocco, led by Walid Regraguis, advanced to the final four by defeating Belgium, Spain, and Portugal with tenacious defensive displays. However, France proved to be too much of a challenge.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will present the final challenge for Les Bleus as they try to become the third team to successfully defend their title, following Brazil (1962) and Italy (1938).
Since 1958, when Vava scored for Brazil against France, Hernandez’s opening goal in the World Cup semifinal was timed at four minutes and 39 seconds.
