France reach second straight World Cup final

France and Kylian Mbappe beat Morocco 2-0 to end the North African side’s historic run at the 2022 World Cup and secure their place in a much-anticipated matchup with Argentina and Leo Messi.

France are through to the final! 👊@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022

Les Blues are looking to become the first team to retain the World Cup title since Brazil in 1962.

Another Final awaits the @equipedefrance 🇫🇷#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022

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Kylian Mbappe hit with criticism over France absence

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022

Left-back Theo Hernandez put France ahead after less than five minutes at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday, firing an acrobatic effort past Yassine Bounou from close range to become the first opposition player to score against the Atlas Lions in Qatar.

Morocco responded forcefully to the early setback, controlling the majority of possession and pressing for an equaliser on either side of half-time.

France, who for large periods were second-best, held out nonetheless and Randal Kolo Muani put the game to bed late, tapping home from close range in the 79th minute to set up a showdown with Argentina in four days’ time.

Morocco, the first Arab and first African country to make it to a World Cup semifinal, will play Croatia in a third-place playoff on Saturday.