They were beautiful, the Moroccans. They were brave, dominant. Creative, even. But France played opportunistically, which allowed them to win 2-0 in this semi-final of the World Cup. The French therefore return to the final for a second World Cup in a row.
Théo Hernandez opened the scoring for France after just five minutes. This forced Morocco to open up their game, which we saw so tight defensively in this tournament. And it was he, thereafter, who put the most pressure on his opponent.
PHOTO ADRIAN DENNIS, AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE
Theo Hernandez
Until Kylian Mbappé seized the ball in the 79the, at the edge of the surface. Before chaining the dribbles, then passing to Randal Kolo Muani at the far post. Whoever had just entered the game only had to push the leather into the back of the net for the 2-0.
“I do not realize, launched Kolo Muani after the meeting. It’s a sick thing, we’re dreaming. Frankly, I don’t know what’s going on. I am very proud of my teammates. »
“Even if we suffered, we were very strong defensively, that was our strength. It was a very complicated game. We suffered, but we were able to score this second goal. »
Morocco coach Walid Regragui also noted this aspect of the French game.
“We gave the maximum, that’s the most important thing,” he told Moroccan television. The boys fought until the last minute. We wanted to win the game, but we came across a strong team that knows what it’s doing and waits for you to make a mistake. That we committed at the start of the game. »
Moroccan adaptation
Regragui became the planetary favorite during this World Cup. The day before this semi-final, he had made a remarkable exit at a press conference. He was asked casually what style of play to use against France. He launched into a nearly four-minute tirade on ball possession stats — clearly to Morocco’s disadvantage against Spain and Portugal — versus the defensive realism his side have adopted in recent games.
“Possession makes everyone dream,” he said, among other things. You have 60, 70% possession, but you made two shots in the game. »
“For me, what matters to me today is winning. I have heard many European journalists in particular criticize our game. Personally, I think it annoys them above all to see an African team playing like a European team. »
PHOTO KARIM JAAFAR, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Walid Regragui
It is true that Regragui had again prepared a defensive scheme on Wednesday, with a block of five defenders, four low midfielders and a single attacking point. But when France opened the scoring quickly, Morocco had no choice, and had to adapt. With 61% possession, he managed to push his opponent to his last entrenchments, even if his 3 shots on target did not overheat the French defense. Except for a nice bicycle shot from Jawad El Yamiq who hit the post in the 44thenotably.
For example, Morocco had completed 552 passes in total in their first two qualifying matches. On Wednesday, he managed 572.
“We said if they let us have the ball, we’d take it,” Regragui said after the game on Wednesday. We did it, but we made too many technical errors in the first half. In the second period, we were more skilful, we lost fewer balls, we caused them problems, we created a lot of situations, but we were not decisive in the 30 meters. »
“I think we made them doubt at times and already, for us, it’s extraordinary, he continued. The step was a little too high for us, not in terms of quality or tactics, but more physically. We had too many injured players. »
France, efficient
Opposite, the Blues demonstrated real professionalism, as they had done against the English.
Comfortable without the ball. Fast against. Kylian “Bip Bip” Mbappé who has nothing to do with his Moroccan coyotes, hurtling down the lawn at full speed. Olivier Giroud who hits the post with a powerful shot. Hugo Lloris who takes out his beautiful parades at the right times. And two timely goals. Efficient work.
Especially taking into account that the goal awarded by Morocco in the 5e minute was his first by an opponent in this entire World Cup. Canada had been the only one to achieve this, but it was against his camp of the Moroccans. Note that for this semi-final, two pillars of the Moroccan defense were dismissed: Nayef Aguerd took part in the warm-up, but could not take part in the match. Captain Romain Saïss played 21 minutes before being substituted, hit in the thigh.
PHOTO FRANCK FIFE, AGENCY FRANCE-PRESSE
Kylian Mbappe
Mbappé, Messi, Giroud, Álvarez: this final between France and Argentina on Sunday promises.
“A team where there is ‘Leo’ in it is different,” said Antoine Griezmann. We know how they play, it’s a very difficult team, in great shape. There is Leo, but there is also a team behind, a group that lives very well, and in addition they have their supporters with them. »
Morocco’s inspiring and historic journey will officially come to an end on Saturday, in the match for third place against Croatia.
He may have lost on Wednesday. But his greatest victory, he had already acquired it: the relaxation of Moroccan — and African — soccer.
“The most important thing is to have given a good image, underlined Regragui. To have shown the world that Moroccan football existed, that we had great supporters. To reach the very, very high level, to win a World Cup, we will still have to work, but we are not very far. »
With Agence France-Presse