FIFA World Cup 2022, France vs Morocco Semi Final Live: Defending champions France are going to the FIFA World Cup finals for the second consecutive year on Sunday. On Thursday, at the Al Bayt stadium, the electric crowd of around 60,000 spectators charged up the second semi-final between Morocco and France. While the heroics of Moroccan side was applauded by all, their gallant attempt couldn’t convert into a goal. At full time, France had beaten Morocco with 2-0.
Theo Hernandez scored lightning goal for France in the fifth minute of the game giving the defending champions a brilliant 1-0 lead. In second half, substitute Randal Kolo Muani’s acrobatic goal sealed the deal for France. While the opening of the match was all about deafening support by the Moroccan fans, later, French flags could be seen all over this stadium located in Qatar’s Al Khor. In attendance was none other than French President Emmanuel Macron.
With the exception of the Tunisia match, France has won all the matches in the tournament so far. Morocco has become the first African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after upsetting Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal 1-0. Moreover, France has become the first defending champions since 1998 to reach the semi-finals.
France vs Morocco FIFA Semi-Final: When and where to watch?
The match kicked off at 12:30 am IST on December 15. The France vs Morocco game was played at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. In India, France vs Morocco match was broadcast live on the Sports18 and Sports18 HD TV channels. Several fans watched the mega vent on Jio Cinema’s app and website.
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France vs Morocco FIFA Semi-Final: Possible starting lineups
France: Lloris; Kounde, Varane, T. Hernandez, Upamecano; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Griezmann, Dembele, Mbappe; Giroud
Morocco: Bono; Hakimi, El Yamiq, Mazraoui, Aguerd; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
Can Morocco give a happy ending to its romantic FIFA story today? Or will current champion France will end the dream-run? Latest updates from Qatar's Al Bayt stadium
It's a done deal now! It will be France vs Argentina on Sunday from where we look at this match. But Moroccan players are not done yet. French flags are flying all over Al Bayt Stadium
Noussair Mazraoui has been replaced. With this, Morocco has lost third defender now. Can they still do the unthinkable? There are more chances but none have been converted into goals so far!
After a brief break, the players are back on the field. The big question is - can Morocco make a comeback?
There were two major chances when Morocco could have equalized teh French score but just couldn't. At half-time, France is leading the game with 1-0. Can Morocco change that?
France were 'this' close of extending their lead but they missed it! Shot by Mbappe wasted and then player like Giroud's talent must score from the loose ball but, well, it didn't happen!
The moment Saiss walked off the pitch, it was heartbreaking to see the captain missing out the biggest match of his life. Saiss was on the field for just 20 minutes. He couldn't continue due to the painful hamstring injury.
Morocco are making a substitute now. Midfielder Selim Amallah coming on. Romain Saiss forced off injured.
The opening goal by France may have given the defending champions an edge in the game. But in 1982, when the scored the opening goal, France lost to Poland. That's the history. All eyes on present now
A brilliant finish by Theo Hernandez puts France in commanding position! What a disastrous start for Morocco's chance at creating history
Just so much energy in the stadium! France vs Morocco kicks off as fans on both sides take their support to deafening levels!
Ahead of the kickoff, the national anthems of both France and Morocco are being played out.
The atmosphere is electric, and fans are very, very passionate on both sides. What we are witnessing right now is loud boos by the Moroccan fans. Loudest jeers were heard when Franch star footballer Mbappe's name was read out.
The second semifinal between Morocco and France will begin shortly. For probably the first time, a very large group of riot police can be seen outside the Al Bayt Stadium.
Oliver Giroud and Walid Regragui are meeting again! But the roles have changed now. Back in 2007, both were teammates at Grenoble. Cut to 2022, they are back in the field in rival camps. While one is a player, other is working as head coach
All roads are leading to Qatar, well, not exactly! A latest report from Morocco says that Royal Air Maroc has claimed that as many as seven World Cup flights were cancelled at the last minute due to restrictions by Qatar administration. The airline had earlier announced 30 flights between Casablanca and Doha. These flights were meant to take the fans to witness the greatest moment in Morocco's football history. “Following the recent restrictions imposed by the Qatari authorities, Royal Air Maroc regrets to inform its customers of the cancellation of flights provided by Qatar Airways,” it said.
Hello and welcome to Financial Express Online's live blog on France vs Morrocco second semi-final. The match will begin at 12:30 am IST. Stay with us as we bring you all the details and the latest buzz