France vs Morocco, Semi final FIFA WC highlights: Hernandez, Muani on target as Les Bleus set final date with Argentina

Thanks to goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani, defending champions France have set up a blockbuster clash against two-time winners Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final. Didier Deschamps’ France will meet Lionel Messi-led Argentina in the Qatar World Cup 2022 final at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday. 

While the Kylian Mbappe-starrer France side has lived up to their favourites tag, Achraf Hakimi's Morocco exceeded all expectations in Qatar. Morocco outclassed second-ranked Belgium before eliminating European giants Spain and Portugal in the knockout phase of the FIFA World Cup.  

All over! A campaign to remember for Morocco! France have outclassed the African giant-killers 2-0 to enter the final of the FIFA World Cup 2022. An early goal by defender Theo Hernandez followed by Randal Kolo Muani's late strike in the 2nd half has secured France's 2-0 win over Morocco in the second semi-final of the Qatar World Cup. 

What a chance for Morocco! Ounahi fails to convert and France have regained possession. Morocco are still keen on staging a late fightback in stoppage time. Only 2 minutes are remaining and France are on the cusp! French flags flying high at the Al Bayt Stadium.  

Randal Kolo Muani scored 44 seconds after coming on as 2nd half substitute!

GOAL! France have got the goal that matters! Kolo Muani has scored for France and the defending champions are now staring at the final. Super Sub Muani made the most of Mbappe's scuffed effort on goal. A wicked deflection after Mbappe fired one from close range and Muani was there to pounce!

Giroud has been replaced by Thuram. A forgetful day at the office for France's all-time leading goal scorer. The AC Milan star missed a goal-scoring opportunity earlier in the 1st half. Meanwhile, Boufal has made way for Aboukhlal.

Another free kick for France. Griezmann to take this one. Can the defending champions come up with a sucker punch? France are still leading Morocco 1-0 in the 2nd half. Did you know? Theo Hernández’s opener is the earliest goal scored by any side in a World Cup semi-final since 1958. 

Griezmann, Varane and Konate have all made vital contributions to stop Morocco from scoring the all-important opener for the African nation in the 2nd half. Ziyech and Ounahi are leaving no stone unturned as Morocco have played the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half better than France.   

Mbappe goes down after a strong challenge by Amrabat. A strong protest from French players but the referee has refused to award France a free-kick. The PSG forward is receiving treatment and France are down to 10. 

We are underway again! France are 45 minutes away from entering its second-successive final at the FIFA World Cup. Giant-killers Morocco only need to score a goal to get back into the game. Who will join Messi-led Argentina in the Qatar World Cup final? 

Defending world champions France lead at the break with an early goal from defender Theo Hernández. The French left-back netted the opener in the 5th minute of the first half. Even though Morocco were stunned by the early goal, the African giant-killers staged an impressive comeback in the 1st half. The Men In Red were almost rewarded with an equaliser. Morocco’s El Yamiq hit the post before the end of the first. Morocco are tipped to make life more difficult for Les Bleus in the 2nd half. 

What an incredible effort! El Yamiq has hit the post with his overhead kick. Lloris was beaten but it's the post that saved the goalkeeper’s blushes. A corner for Morocco. A minimum of three minutes have been added!

After taking an early lead in the 1st half of the contest, defending world champions France are keen on dominating possession as we head towards the final five minutes of the first 45. Defender Koundé sets a long ball for Dembele, who is forced to give up the chase. Goalkick for Morocco! 

Another blistering run by Mbappe, who managed to get the better of the defender before his shot on goal is cleared by his PSG teammate Hakimi. The loose ball was collected by Hernandez for Giroud but the French forward put his shot wide of the left post! 

Theo Hernández scored the opener for France in the 5th minute of the second semi-final against Morocco at the FIFA World Cup. 

An inspiring run made by Mbappe but the leading contender for the World Cup Golden Boot has failed to find Dembele. Morocco have regained possession after Dembele's foul. The first yellow card of the second semi-final has been issued by the referee. Sofiane Boufal has been booked for his challenge. 

An early change for the African nation as Romain Saïss has been replaced by Amallah. Saiss picked up an injury in the first half. Amallah has joined Morocco's midfield.

France have hit the post through Olivier Giroud! A thunderbolt from the veteran French forward. The post to the rescue for Bono! Earlier, Hakim Ziyech's strike on goal was well wide. He was forced to take the shot with his weaker foot at the time.  

What a response from the African nation after conceding an early goal. Ounahi with a brilliant effort which is equally matched by superstopper Lloris. Morocco still enjoying possession. A freekick opportunity for Morocco. Hakim Ziyech is on the ball. 

GOAL! France have taken an early lead in the first 5 minutes of the game. Theo Hernández with a sensational volley! The left-back cashed in on the opportunity after Mbappe's shot on goal took a massive deflection. France are ahead, all thanks to an acrobatic finish from Hernández!

What an atmosphere at the jampacked Al Bayt Stadium. The second semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 is finally underway in Qatar. Both teams fighting for early possession! A hostile reception for France while Morocco are getting treated like a home side. 

Giant-killers Morocco have managed to keep clean sheets against the likes of Belgium, Croatia, Spain and Portugal at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Mbappe or Giroud, who can break the deadlock for France? We are moments away from kick-off at Al Bayt Stadium. 

Did you know? France are featuring in its 7th World Cup semi-final. The Les Bleus were dumped out of the first three in 1958, 1982 and 1986. However, France have been on a winning streak in its last 3 semi-final appearances (1998, 2006 and 2018). Can Morocco end France's unbeaten run in the semis?