Theo Hernández scored the goal to make it 1-0 for France.Image: AP / Christophe Ena
World Cup 2022
After the title 2018 is written France again in the final of the world championship. At the tournament in Qatar, an early goal against Morocco was enough for coach Didier Deschamps’ team to quickly move towards the final. Later, Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani followed up.
Morocco, the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final, played solidly in defense after falling behind early on but were unable to equalize and are now in contention for third place.
The goals
1-0 Theo Hernandez (5′)
2-0 Kolo Muani (79′).
The game’s tweet
It was not only a special game for the Moroccan and French players, but also for ZDF commentator Béla Réthy. Because: He not only commented on the semi-finals on his 66th birthday, it was also his last appearance in a football game.
As of January, Réthy is officially retired. When Réthy spoke to ZDF expert Sandro Wagner about the French brothers Theo and Lucas Hernández, Wagner asked: “Do you also have a brother who can replace you?” Réthy replied that he had no brother. on Twitter caused amused tweets.
read here the report on the end of Béla Réthy’s career.
Quote of the 90 minutes
“If we play against Morocco, I have to destroy my friend. It will break my heart a bit, but it is what it is,” said Paris star Kylian Mbappé in May at a media event together with his teammate Achraf Hakimi. who plays for Morocco.
Kylian Mbappé (left) and Achraf Hakimi usually cheer together for Paris St. Germain, in the semifinals they played against each otherImage: Press Association / Tim Goode
In the end, Mbappé put his announcement into practice, kicked out Hakimi with France and, after 2018 at the age of just 23, can win his second world title on Sunday (4 p.m.).
Number of the game: 19
For Hugo Lloris, the tournament in Qatar is already the fourth World Cup. Germany’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer played just as many tournaments. Thanks to his appearance in the game against Morocco, Lloris now appeared in 19 World Cup games, catching up with Neuer as the goalkeeper with the most World Cup games.
That also means: On Sunday in the final, Lloris will overtake Neuer and become the goalkeeper with the most World Cup appearances.
Oddity of the game
Shortly before the start of the World Cup, France’s star striker Karim Benzema injured his thigh during training with the Équipe Tricolore. Only a little later came the bitter news for all France fans: Benzema will be absent from the team at the World Cup in Qatar.
A few hours before the start of the semi-final against Morocco, the message from “Mundo Deportivo” made the rounds. According to the Spanish medium, the top striker has received permission from his club, Real Madrid, to travel to Qatar and also take part in the final if his country reaches the final. The 34-year-old has apparently recovered from his thigh injury.
THE scene of the game
France took a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute, setting the stage for a place in the final early on. The goal by Theo Hernández was an absolutely remarkable goal.
After Kylian Mbappé’s shot attempt was initially blocked, Morocco defender Achraf Dari deflected the second shot. The ball flew in a high arc to the second post, where Hernández athletically went to the ball and scored the goal with a side kick. The dry comment from ZDF expert and ex-Bayern professional Sandro Wagner: “I would have broken my groin earlier with the shot.”
What’s next for the teams
After France’s victory, Kylian Mbappé and Co. will play Argentina and Lionel Messi in the final on Sunday (4 p.m.). For the first time since Brazil (1958 and 1962), a team could defend the World Cup title from the previous tournament.
After the bankruptcy, Morocco can still reach third place against Croatia on Saturday (4 p.m.).