Two things that stood out in France’s win over Morocco

France beat Morocco 2-0 in the second semifinal of the World Cup at the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar on Wednesday.

Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani scored for France in the 5th and 79th minutes, respectively.

Didier Deschamps’ men will thus aspire to be the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cup titles. They will face two-time champions Argentina in the final on Sunday.

Here are two things that stood out in the match:

France scored early and kept Morocco at bay with solid defense

France made a couple of changes to the side that beat England last week. Ibrahima Konate replaced Dayot Upamecano and Youssouf Fofana came in for Adrien Rabiot in their team with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Both Upamecano and Rabiot were unwell and hence, could not start.

Morocco, meanwhile, started with a 5-4-1 formation, as they seemed to have taken a leaf from England’s book and played an extra central defender to deal with Kylian Mbappe.

Fofana’s inclusion bolstered France’s defense, as he is more of a defensive player than Rabiot. Moreover, Mbappe’s lack of defensive work meant that France needed an extra man in their midfield to give protection to their defense while defending against Morocco’s attacks through the inside-right channel.

The early goal certainly helped France’s cause. Raphael Varane played a perfect through pass that reached an onrushing Antoine Griezmann, who played it to Mbappe inside the penalty box. Mbappe’s shot rebounded off a Morocco defender to bounce in front of Hernandez, who waited for the ball to be in a convenient position for him before volleying home.

The early goal jolted Morocco, who tried to launch attacks primarily through the inside-right channel, with Hakim Ziyech being particularly active in that area, but Konate and Fofana lent solidity to France to deny them the chance to equalize. The North African side could not play with a high defensive line, as the threat of Mbappe’s deadly runs was always lurking.

Surprisingly, Sofiane Boufal could not produce the same performance that he had in their earlier matches and hence, Morocco could not attack much through the left. Moreover, they also lacked a genuine No. 9 upfront.

Morocco kept attacking, but France scored again to seal the deal

Morocco started launching attacks again in the second half after Sofyan Amrabat had denied Mbappe with a brilliant tackle. Both Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi continued their superb run in the tournament with commanding performances in the midfield.

However, Griezmann again showed his utility by falling back repeatedly to do some commendable defensive work. France then replaced Olivier Giroud with Marcus Thuram, but the flow of Morocco attacks continued.

France, meanwhile, looked dangerous from the set-pieces as Griezmann sent in a few good crosses, but they could not be put to proper use.

France then scored their second goal somewhat against the run of play. Mbappe forced his way through Morocco’s defense before taking a shot at the goal, but it ricocheted to the back post and substitute Kolo Muani was first to react, tapping home the clincher.

With their chances of a comeback dim, Morocco still kept battling. Ounahi came close on a couple of occasions. France then held on to ensure their second consecutive World Cup final.