France vs Morocco Live Commentary, FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar

#	Team	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
Group A
1	Netherlands	3	2	1	0	5	1	4	7
2	Senegal	3	2	0	1	5	4	1	6
3	Ecuador	3	1	1	1	4	3	1	4
4	Qatar	3	0	0	3	1	7	-6	0
Group B
1	England	3	2	1	0	9	2	7	7
2	USA	3	1	2	0	2	1	1	5
3	Iran	3	1	0	2	4	7	-3	3
4	Wales	3	0	1	2	1	6	-5	1
Group C
1	Argentina	3	2	0	1	5	2	3	6
2	Poland	3	1	1	1	2	2	0	4
3	Mexico	3	1	1	1	2	3	-1	4
4	Saudi Arabia	3	1	0	2	3	5	-2	3
Group D
1	France	3	2	0	1	6	3	3	6
2	Australia	3	2	0	1	3	4	-1	6
3	Tunisia	3	1	1	1	1	1	0	4
4	Denmark	3	0	1	2	1	3	-2	1
Group E
1	Japan	3	2	0	1	4	3	1	6
2	Spain	3	1	1	1	9	3	6	4
3	Germany	3	1	1	1	6	5	1	4
4	Costa Rica	3	1	0	2	3	11	-8	3
Group F
1	Morocco	3	2	1	0	4	1	3	7
2	Croatia	3	1	2	0	4	1	3	5
3	Belgium	3	1	1	1	1	2	-1	4
4	Canada	3	0	0	3	2	7	-5	0
Group G
1	Brazil	3	2	0	1	3	1	2	6
2	Switzerland	3	2	0	1	4	3	1	6
3	Cameroon	3	1	1	1	4	4	0	4
4	Serbia	3	0	1	2	5	8	-3	1
Group H
1	Portugal	3	2	0	1	6	4	2	6
2	Korea Republic	3	1	1	1	4	4	0	4
3	Uruguay	3	1	1	1	2	2	0	4
4	Ghana	3	1	0	2	5	7	-2	3

Matches Played

Matches Won

Matches Drawn

Matches Lost

Goals For (Goals scored by a team)

Goals Against (Goals conceded by a team)

Goal Difference

Pts

Total Points

4 - France have reached the World Cup final four times in the last seven editions of the tournament (1998, 2006, 2018 and 2022), at least twice more than any other nation over the period. Arrogance. pic.twitter.com/sF6v4GhUpg
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) December 14, 2022

That would be all for now as we bring down the curtains to this live commentary. Hope it was as much fun as it was bringing it to you. We will be back again on Friday to cover the fixture between Croatia and Morocco. Until then, stay safe and take care!!

Christopher Nkunku
Presnel Kimpembé
Lucas Hernandez
Karim Benzema
Mike Maignan
N’Golo Kanté
Paul Pogba

All of them not available, Ballon d’Or winner included…

…but Didier Deschamps’ France reach again the World Cup final after Russia 2018.#Qatar2022 🏆🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/7tvvOezYRr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 14, 2022

France become the fifth country to reach back-to-back FIFA World Cup finals. They are the first team to do since Brazil did it in 2002. Les Blues now have a chance to win the tournament back-to-back for the first time since 1962.

France will take on Argentina in the final on Sunday as Mbappe goes against his club teammate Lionel Messi for the 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy. As for Morocco, they still have a game left as they face Croatia for the third-place finish.

Morocco took down Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their way to becoming the first African nation to ever make the World Cup semifinal.

What a ride it was 👏🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/62WRRrkN6K
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 14, 2022

Despite trying multiple times, it was Muani who came off the bench to score for France and killed the game for Morocco. Les Blues progress to the finals to face Argentina in what is expected to be a thrilling finale given the potential of both teams. Morocco can take immense pride from their efforts in the tournament as they have definitely set an example for other underrated teams.

Heartbreak for Morocco and their fans as they are unable to beat the defending champions in the semi-finals. After taking an early lead, France looked in good shape but the Atlas Lions started the second half quite strongly. They tested Lloris in bits and parts but lacked the clinical edge in front of the goal.

90+6' FULL TIME!! It's over. France win it 2-0 as they secure an impressive win over the Atlas Lions.

90+4' OFF THE LINE!!! Jules Kounde does tremendously well to clear the ball off the line after Morocco launch an incisive attack with Hamdallah getting a shot. The Barcelona defender did a great job in keeping the clean sheet.

90+3' Morocco win a corner late in the game. Can they pull one back??

No player has created more chances than Antoine Griezmann at the 2022 World Cup 👏

Magician ✨ pic.twitter.com/ToxmHt51ju
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 14, 2022

90+1' Having played the tournament without Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Christopher Nkunku and many others, France have done quite the job to secure a place in the final on Sunday.

Additional time: 6 minutes

44 - Randal Kolo Muani has scored the third-quickest goal for a substitute in World Cup history (44 seconds after coming on), only behind Morales in 2002 (16 seconds) and Sand in 1998 (seconds). Quick. pic.twitter.com/GsO4pYjUuU
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) December 14, 2022

87' It was that man Mbappe again who was instrumental in creating the goal for France. What a phenomenal talent !!!

Randal Kolo Muani makes it 2-0 with his first touch of the game ⚡ pic.twitter.com/xdPfCr5HBZ
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 14, 2022

83' Who would have thought that Muani who came in to replace the injured Christopher Nkunku, will seal the deal for France in the semi-finals?

81' The second goal all but seals it for France. Heart-breaking for Morocco.

79' GOOOOOAAALLLLLLL!! France double the lead. Mbappe dances inside the box before taking a shot. His shot takes a deflection only to fall in front of Muani in the six-yard box. The substitute makes no mistake in tapping it inside the goal. 2-0 France.

79' Ousmane Dembele is subbed off. Randal Kolo Muani comes on.

78' Selim Amallah, who came on as a substitute in the first half is subbed off. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli comes on.

74' Morocco miss a great chance on the counter as Hamdallah takes one touch too many before planning to shoot.

Achraf Hakimi has won more tackles than any other player at the 2022 World Cup:

🥇 Achraf Hakimi - 16
🥈 Jude Bellingham - 15
🥉 Mateo Kovacic - 14

Putting in the work. 💥 pic.twitter.com/OdTp7eJOTg
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 14, 2022

71' Thuram gets a good chance to double the tally near the six-yard box but his header falls just wide from Grizemann's crocin.

Sofyan Amrabat is the first player to win possession 50 times at the 2022 World Cup.

Team of the Tournament place secured. 🔐#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/sWkVYn1yti
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 14, 2022

66' Youssef En-Nesyri is subbed off. Abderrazak Hamdallah comes on.

66' Double change for Morocco. Soufiane Boufal is subbed off. Zakaria Aboukhlal comes on.

65' France make their first change as Olivier Giroud is brought off and Marcus Thuram comes on.

63' France have to defend in numbers as the Atlas Lions dominate possession and are testing with a number of attacks in the French box.

This game is fun because there is a team (#Marocco) who disorganises itself to attack. Endearing and entertaining, but it also means it exposes itself greatly. Hardly any team did that since the group stage

Normally #Fra will make them pay for their approach pic.twitter.com/TKumVsp4iF
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) December 14, 2022

57' Since the restart, Morocco have piled up the pressure and taken the game to France. Wouldn't be surprised if they find the equalizer soon.

Sofyan Amrabat does not stop. 😤#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/glzKezujmQ
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) December 14, 2022

54' Chaos in the French box as Boufal makes a darting run in the box. His cross is scrappily cleared by French defenders as the Atlas Lions continue to threaten the French goal.

51' Amrabat makes a terrific tackle on Mbappe after the latter had made a mind-boggling run solely using his blistering pace. The Paris Saint-Germain forward seemed to be injured by the tackle.

49' The second half has started brightly with both teams keen on attacking as much as possible.

Jawad El Yamiq nearly nailed it 😱 pic.twitter.com/rvlbHRRtfP
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 14, 2022

46' The second half is underway. Can Morocco fight against the odds and get the equalizer here?

46' Morocco bring in a change at half-time. Noussair Mazraoui is subbed off. Yahia Attiyat Allah comes on.

0 - France have never lost a World Cup match when leading at half-time, winning 25 times and drawing once. Submission. pic.twitter.com/9jtYUFkduO
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 14, 2022

Yamiq's wonderful attempt in the dying minutes of the first-half saw the ball hit the French post. Lloris, with his experience, has looked amazing for Les Blues as the Tottenham goalkeeper has still loads to do in the second half. Mbappe hasn't been as involved as we would have liked it but it will only take him a moment to turn around things.

The reigning champions had a brilliant start to the game as they took the lead in the fifth minute through Theo Hernandez. Morocco were caught napping and had to pay the price with some quality attacking from France. The Atlas Lions lost their captain Saiss through injury but have since looked sharper and brighter with their change in formation.

45+3' HALF TIME!! What an entertaining affair so far as France lead 1-0 at the break but all is not over yet.

Additional time: 3 minutes

44' WHAT A CHANCE!! Morocco come close to the equalizer as Yamiq attempts a bicycle kick and his shot is just saved by Lloris only for the ball to hit the post. Fantastic attempt by the center-back as the Atlas Lions look to grow stronger.

3 - Theo Hernández is the third defender to have both scored and assisted in a single World Cup tournament with France, after Marius Trésor in 1982 and Bixente Lizarazu in 1998. Rocket.#FranceMorocco #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/J8BZJ7EZBH
— OptaPaolo 🏆 (@OptaPaolo) December 14, 2022

40' CLOSE!! Varane comes close as he guides the ball with a low shot from Griezmann's corner. His shot was just wide off Bono's left post.

Sofiane Boufal was booked for this challenge on Theo Hernandez. pic.twitter.com/5XlnZikXs2
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 14, 2022

36' Morocco survive another threat. On the counter, Tchouameni finds Mbappe whose shot is blocked. The ball once again falls to Tchouameni who finds Giroud this time but the former Arsenal striker shoots it just wide with his first-time shot. So close.

33' Morocco certainly look better with their 4-3-3 formation but they no more have the patience and discipline at the back, leaving their exposed on the counter.

27' Sofiane Boufal goes into the referee's book for a late challenge on Theo Hernandez.

Romain Saiss’ game by numbers vs. France:

94% pass accuracy
20 minutes played
17 touches
16 passes completed
2/2 long balls completed

So unlucky to leave the Semi-Final early. 🚑 pic.twitter.com/DdeNY2HsNd
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 14, 2022

25' With Nayef Aguerd to be replaced just before kick-off and now Saiss, Morocco are now without their first-choice center-backs.

23' With Amallah coming on, the Atlas Lions are expected to go back to their 4-3-3 formation.

21' Roman Saiss is subbed off as the Moroccan captain is struggling with his hamstring. Selim Amallah comes on. Really unfortunate for Saiss tonight.

18' The Atlas Lions are struggling to make things happen here as the early goal seems to have exposed their discipline.

17' OFF THE POST!! France attack on the counter and as Giroud finds space in the box. His shot hits Bono's right post and scares away for a goal-kick. Morocco living on thin ice right now.

France are the first opposing team to score on Morocco this entire World Cup 😳

What a run it's been 🙌 pic.twitter.com/UaXrFa8oY1
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 14, 2022

10' SAVE!!! Lloris makes a fine save to his left as Ounahi hits a lovely curling shot from outside the box. Morocco get their first shot on target.

Superb from Griezmann. He'd already made a couple of those darting runs behind Morocco defence, looking for the pass. Third time lucky, Griezmann cross, Mbappe involved, then Hernandez finish. Griezmann's intelligent movement again to the fore. #FRA
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) December 14, 2022

6' The defending champions needed one killer pass from the defense to break the Moroccan backline. Brilliant pass that from Varane in the first place.

5' GOOOAALLL!!! Theo Hernandez scores as France lead 1-0. Varane plays a fine ball to free Griezmann in the box. The Atletico Madrid man finds Mbappe but the youngster's shot is blocked only to fall for Theo Hernandez. There is still a lot to do for the left-back before he fires a fine bumped volley in the Moroccan goal.

3' Amrabat having more of the ball so far as he remains vital for Morocco, especially with his positioning and defensive abilities in midfield.

1' Here we go as the referee blows the whistle to kick start the proceedings at the Al Bayt stadium.

Who is more important to France right now, Kylian Mbappe or Antoine Griezmann?#BBCWorldCup #FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/ja16fAeOyG
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 14, 2022

Both teams are out now as we are just moments away from the kick-off.

🇲🇦 Morocco will be the 25th different nation to play in a #FIFAWorldCup semi-final

👀 The last team to make their debut in the semi-finals were Spain in 2010, who beat Germany 1-0 to reach the final#Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/puy9RJfNEU
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) December 14, 2022

Olivier Giroud, France's all-time top goalscorer, will be a key player tonight and so will be Youssef En-Nesyri who scored that towering header against Portugal in the quarter-finals. Interesting to see which of these strikers come out with flying colors tonight.

Drone view of Al Bayt Stadium.
"Under the lights."#Mar #fra #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/bSE9tKnN5s
— Shamoon Hafez (@ShamoonHafez) December 14, 2022

The Moroccan fans are already creating a terrific atmosphere at the Al Bayt stadium as both teams warm-up before the match.

Do not write Morocco off 👊#BBCWorldCup #FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/a4jZLXgDSk
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 14, 2022

Morocco have conceded only once in the tournament so far as they pose a massive test for Didier Deschamps and his men to find the back of the net today. Kylian Mbappe can increase his chances of winning the Golden Boot if he manages to score tonight and take his team to the final. It will be interesting to see how his club teammate Achraf Hakimi and other Moroccan players plan to handle him.

95 - France's Ibrahima Konaté has won 95% of his duels (21/22) at the #FIFAWorldCup 2022, the highest percentage of any player in the tournament (min. 10 duels). Dominance. #FRAMAR pic.twitter.com/TIfvFPJ8CL
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) December 14, 2022

France will know going into the game that they will have to dig deep to break the strong Moroccan defense. That being said, the pressure stays on the Atlas Lions too to capitalize on the counter and make the best of their chances else they will be in for a long night.

Sofyan Amrabat 🇲🇦 looks ahead to his team's World Cup semi-final against France 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/HB1LoX2Gqf
— GOAL Africa (@GOALAfrica) December 14, 2022

No African team has managed to register four wins in a FIFA World Cup edition. Can Morocco change that tonight?

Two changes for France ax`s Konate comes in for Upamecano in a tactical change while Fofana comes in for Rabiot as the latter is struggling with an injury. As for Morocco, they add an extra center-back in the form of El-Yamiq instead of midfielder Selim Amailah.

For the first time since he's taken over, Walid Regragui moves away from his 4-3-3 formation and he's moved to a 5-4-1

CB Jawad El Yamiq comes in for CM Amellah. I LOVE this move as Giroud is very much in form and the other CBs are hobbled
— Maher Mezahi (@MezahiMaher) December 14, 2022

Substitutes available for Morocco: Monir El Kajoui, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, Achraf Dari, Badr Benoun, Yahia Attiyat Allah, Abdelhamid Sabiri, Selim Amallah, Bilal El Khannouss, Yahya Jabrane, Abderrazak Hamdallah, Anass Zaroury, Ilias Chair, Zakaria Aboukhlal and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.

Substitutes available for France: Steve Mandanda, Alphonse Aréola, Benjamin Pavard, Axel Disasi, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Mattéo Guendouzi, Jordan Veretout, Kingsley Coman, Eduardo Camavinga, Randal Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram.

Morocco (5-4-1): Bono, Achraf Hakimi, Jawad El Yamiq, Nayef Aguerd, Roman Saiss (C), Noussair Mazraoui, Hakim Ziyech, Azzedine Ounahi, Sofyan Amrabat, Sofiane Boufal, Youssef En-Nesyri.

France (4-2-3-1): Hugo Lloris (C), Jules Kounde, Raphael Varane, Ibrahima Konate, Theo Hernandez, Aurelien Tchouameni, Youssouf Fofana, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud.

The starting line-ups are out for both teams. Let's have a look at them.

The defending champions are against a strong, resilient and highly motivated Moroccan side who have surely qualified against the odds and proven many critics wrong. The Atlas Lions will surely be putting up a strong fight tonight but it is doesn't get any trickier than facing the in-form Kylian Mbappe.

Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's LIVE coverage between France and Morocco in the second semi-final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. With Argentina booking their place in the final, both these teams will be inching to win today and have the chance to face Lionel Messi on Sunday.

Date & Time

15 December, Thu 12:30 AM IST

Tournament

FIFA World Cup

Stadium

Al Bayt Stadium

POLL :

POLL : Which team will win?

Head To Head Summary

Match Details

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Head To Head Summary

Highlights

France vs Morocco 2-0: Official Match Highlights

Key Stats

Head To Head Summary

POLL : Which team will win?

Match Details

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Ball Possession

Offense

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