France ends Morocco Dreams in the World Cup
France managed to get passed a tough Moroccan challenge to qualify for their 2nd final in a row. France won 2-0 against Morocco in the second semi-final to face off Argentina in the world cup final on Sunday.
Morocco, the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final, went out with their heads up after a challenging game. Morocco suffering an early blow to their dreams of going further in the competition after Theo Hernandez scored a fifth minute goal.
Although France won the match, Morocco had many chances to score. The African side also suffered from Referee mistakes including a clear penalty being denied against Boufal.
Morocco‘s defance which was exemplary through the tournament suffer from the injuries of many principal players like Romain Saiss who was replcaed before half-time and absence of Bayern Munich’s Mezraoui.
France appeared to play more tactically leaving the Moroccan side to have more possession. However, Muani finally sealed the victory for France with his first touch, 44 seconds after coming on the 79th minute of the game.
Inspired by the magnificent Sofyan Amrabat, choosen as player of the match by a BBC sport poll, Morocco were always close to equalizing parity especially when El Yamiq’s bicycle kick shot hit the post.
France’s Griezmann won the player of the match award for his performance against Morocco in the FIFA World Cup semifinal on Thursday.
Morocco proud despite the loss
The Atlas lions were given a huge ovation from their supporters, after their unprecedented results in the world cup, making them one of the highlights of this edition in Qatar.
Morocco journey may have ended but it has been a fairytale story in the World Cup, having beaten Belgium, Spain and Portugal – three of the global highest ranked teams, on the way to the semi final.
It was a wonderful result that have given hope not only to Moroccan football fans but also to Africa nations.
Their fans will certainly cherish the memories of the World Cup after this campaign in Qatar.