France asserted its status as favorites and defeated Morocco 2-0 to reach the final of the Qatar Cup. After triumphing, this Wednesday afternoon (14) at the Al Bayt Stadium, the French team focuses its attention on the Argentine team, its opponent in the big decision of next Sunday (18), an opportunity in which a new three-time champion of the World Cup will be proclaimed of FIFA teams. France are through to the end! 👊@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022 In this Wednesday’s semi-final, football faced a duel that mixes sport with contemporary history: France against one of its former colonies. Between 1906 and 1956, Moroccan territory was a French protectorate. President Emmanuel Macron, before the ball rolled, formally apologized for the French occupation of several African countries throughout the 20th century. On the field, the Moroccans had two players who were officially born in France, but who preferred to defend the red shirt and honor the origin of their parents: Romain Saïss (defender) and Sofiane Boufal (midfielder). 4 minutes into the game, Théo Hernández took the rebound from a ball bounced off the defense and, with a volley, shut up the Al Bayt stadium. It was France’s first goal, which came out faster than the huge crowd expected (about 95% of the fans present supported the Moroccans). At 10 minutes came the chance of an equalizer. Ounahi, midfielder from Angers (France), ventured outside the area looking for the French goalkeeper Lloris’s corner, which he palmed. The finish from Theo Hernandez 🎯#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/0x1iCRMjgL — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022 Needing to open up to go on the attack, Morocco gave space in defense and, in the 16th minute, Giroud was launched in front, adjusted and hit firm, but the crossbar saved goalkeeper Bounou. In the 35th minute there was another very clear chance of scoring for France, Tchoumeni found Giroud inside the area. With freedom, the attacker hit first, but outside. It seemed not to be the gigantic French striker’s day. The most incredible bid of the initial stage came in the 44th minute. The ball was lifted in the French area from a corner kick and El Yamiq tried to score with a bicycle kick. The ball went into the corner and Lloris jumped to palm it with the tips of his fingers. The move excited the entire Arab community present at the stadium. This would’ve been something special 🚲#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/MGEsOL012c — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022 In the 2nd half, coach Walid Regragui’s team made several triangulations, reaching the French area very easily, but without being able to finish on goal. Restricted to the defence, France was betting on Mbappé’s speed to pull off counterattacks. If the French star failed to create better opportunities, it was because of the strong marking he received. Coach Didier Deschamps realized he could vent his team and put Thuram in Giroud’s place, leaving with three sprinters in command of the attack: Thuram, Mbappé and Dembelé. In the 33rd minute, finally, Mbappé made a beautiful move, kicked for goal, the ball was deflected and left clean for reserve Muani to complete for the net: 2 to 0. A curiosity is that Muani entered the field 40 seconds before scoring the goal which gave final numbers to the confrontation. 😉🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/jVp1i2T3GY — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022 At the final whistle, thousands of Moroccans applauded their selection, even without the long-awaited victory over the former colonizers. She had already gone further than the entire country expected. The World Cup, then, will be decided by two teams that have been identified as favorites since the beginning. With the victory in the semifinals, France qualifies for the final with Argentina, an opportunity in which a new three-time world champion will be crowned. Already the tough Morocco returns to the field a day earlier to dispute with Croatia the position of third place.
Agência Brasil
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