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ARGENTINA have doubled their lead against France as they dominate in the World Cup final.The South Americans have come firing out of the blocks in the final in Qatar, and their pressure has been rewarded with Lionel Messi’s calmly taken spot-kick.
Angel Di Maria – who was recalled to the starting line-up – scored Argentina’s second before the end of the first half.
France are aiming to become only the third team to retain the World Cup trophy, while Messi is bidding for the biggest prize in his final match for Argentina.

Kick-off time: 3pm GMT
Live stream: BBC iPlayer and ITV X
TV channel: BBC One and ITV
Argentina XI: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Di Maria, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez
France XI: Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T Hernandez; Griezmann, Tchouameni, Rabiot; O.Dembele, Mbappe, Giroud

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46 Argentina 2-0 France
No changes from either side as we kick things off in the second half.
But reminding you that France manager Deschamps made a shock double switch in the closing stages of the first half with Kolo Muani and Thuram replacing Giroud and Dembele
Argentina 2-0 France
Peep!
Off we go again in Qatar!!!
Messi vs France
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has absolutely dominated against France in the first half.
Messi scored from the penalty spot and then started a brilliant attack that ended with Angel Di Maria’s goal.
But the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner did so much more than that.
More below:

Word from the ground
Here’s what SunSport’s man on the field Martin Lipton makes of the first half from the Lusail Stadium:
French fans have gone very quiet.
Not a surprise, really. This wasn’t meant to happen.
But Deschamps’ team have looked a pale imitation of their normal selves.
They have to do something that looks a long way beyond them to get themselves back into this contest.
That means Mbappe turning up. His performance so far has been little short of an embarrassment.
The Argentine army is convinced they are 45 minutes away from glory. You can’t blame them for that.Martin LiptonSunSport
Messi vs Mbappe
This has been built as a dream match between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
But so far this has been the Messi show with the Argentina captain moving the ball everywhere.
France superstar Mbappe, on the other hand, has been non-existent and only picked the ball down the left.
More below:

Argentina vs France stats
Argentina dominated 59 per cent of possession against France in the first half.
The Albiceleste registered a total of six shots, three of which were on target.
France, on the other hand, were very disappointing and didn’t produce a single shot.
More below:

HT: Argentina 2-0 France
Argentina are 2-0 up against France following a rather smooth first half for Lionel Scaloni’s men at the Lusail Stadium.
The Albiceleste opened the scoring on 23 minutes when Lionel Messi beat Hugo Lloris from the penalty spot after Ousmane Dembele tripped Angel Di Maria from behind inside the area.
The Argentine doubled their lead after 36 minutes with some brilliant passing football.
Messi flicked it to Julian Alvarez on his right and the Manchester City ace found Alexis Mac Allister who passed to the incoming Di Maria on the left.
The Juventus star found himself in front of Lloris and beat him with a clinical shot that hit the France captain’s bottom left corner
Credit: Getty
HT: Argentina 2-0 France
Peep!
That’s half-time in Qatar!!!
45+7 Argentina 2-0 France
Yellow card
We have the first booking of the match and it goes to Fernandez for a late challenge on Kolo Muani
45+5 Argentina 2-0 France
France are obviously livelier and attackers, like Kolo Muani, look to be well up for it.
But they will need to show a lot more in the second half – Mbappe has been non-existent.
Such an easy first half for Argentina, perhaps their easiest in the entire tournament
45+3 Argentina 2-0 France
Messi is playing one of the best matches of his career, but Di Maria has also been on fire down the left.
The Argentina captain keeps feeding some wonderful crosses to the Juventus star, who constantly makes them count.
No wonder he finished that wonderful play with a clinical goal…
Credit: Reuters
Credit: EPA
45 Argentina 2-0 France
Seven minutes of stoppage time to go until half-time.
France have already improved with Deschamps’ double switch – the world champs look livelier and quicker. But not by much…
44 Argentina 2-0 France
France manager Deschamps seems like he didn’t want to wait for half-time to send a message to his players that need to wake up.
Plus, Les Bleus need pace – something that Thuram and Kolo Muani have.
Finally, this allows Mbappe to play in the middle and spearhead the Tricolores’ attack
43 Argentina 2-0 France
Here’s what SunSport’s Martin Lipton makes of Di Maria’s brilliant goal:
And that IS a great goal.
Outstanding team play, magnificent one-touch passing, maturity by Mac Allister to pick the right option with Kounde steaming across and calm assurance in Di Maria’s finish.
France look shellshocked and potentially broken.
Plenty of teams have come from one down to win a World Cup.
Only West Germany in 1954 have come from two behind.Martin LiptonSunSport
40 Argentina 2-0 France
Subsitution
France manager Deschamps shakes things up just five minutes before half-time.
Thuram and Kolo Muani come on for Giroud and Dembele respectively.
Risky from the French boss…
38 Argentina 2-0 France
That goal comes down to Messi’s brilliance, the Argentina captain’s genius flick to Alvarez on his right was the difference maker.
That allowed the Man City ace to find Mac Allister in front of him, then the Brighton star played a brilliant through ball to Di Maria who beat Lloris
36 Argentina 2-0 France
What a goal by Argentina, perfect team work from Scaloni’s men! Absolute masterpiece!
Messi chips it to Alvarez on his right and the Man City ace finds Mac Allister who plays it to the incoming Di Maria on the left.
The Juventus star then beats Lloris with a clinical shot that hits the bottom left corner

36 Argentina 2-0 France
Goal!
Argentina double the lead with Di Maria!!!
35 Argentina 1-0 France
Here’s some more insight from SunSport’s Martin Lipton:
The Argentina fans are in dreamland, even though it’s only a single goal.
France simply have not got going, at all.
They look leggy.Maybe that bug has taken more out of them than anyone knew?
At some point, if France are to get back into this, Mbappe has got to come to the party. So far he seems to have forgotten his invitation.Martin LiptonSunSport
33 Argentina 1-0 France
Messi is basically unbeatable in the first half so far, the Argentina captain always finds space to move and pass to Di Maria as well as Mac Allister on the wings.
Excellent link-up between the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and the midfield duo of Fernandez as well as De Paul
30 Argentina 1-0 France
Argentina continue to dominate against a stricken France…
The Albiceleste are obviously boosted by their home crowd-like support while the French are struggling to find their rhythm
28 Argentina 1-0 France
Messi has sparked wild celebrations on the pitch and stands, where his family is watching from.
The Argentina captain has equalled Pele in World Cup goals as he just netted his 12th
Credit: Reuters
Credit: Getty
Credit: Rex
25 Argentina 1-0 France
Here’s what SunSport’s man on the field Martin Lipton thought about Argentina’s penalty:
What WAS he thinking?
Tension and pressure make mincemeat of brains.
This time it is Dembele’s wiring that was scrambled, with a needless and clear-cut trip on Di Maria.
Penalty. Absolutely. 100 per cent.
The decision was instant and Messi sent Lloris the wrong way.
For the first time since the start of the game, Deschamps is out of his dug-out. Scaloni, who has been on the edge of his all match, retreats into his seat.Martin LiptonSunSport
22 Argentina 1-0 France
Messi is one step closer to finally winning his first ever World Cup.
The Argentina captain takes the penalty kick and sends the ball to the bottom left corner while Lloris goes the other way!
Wild celebrations from the Albiceleste players and bench as well as Messi’s family up in the booths

22 Argentina 1-0 France
Goal
Argentina open the scoring with Messi!
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GARETH SOUTHGATE will STAY on as England manager.Southgate is set to give the Football Association the perfect Christmas present by telling them of his decision this week.
There were talks about the World Cup being Southgate’s last rodeo as Three Lions manager but he has now decided to continue as boss into the Euro 2024 campaign.
Meanwhile, Karim Benzema appears to have snubbed the possibility of making a shock appearance for the French squad in Sunday’s final against Argentina.
The Ballon d’Or winner posted a snap of himself and captioned it “I’m not interested.”
Elsehwere, Croatia finished third at the World Cup after beating Morocco 2-1 in the playoff clash.

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Perfect send off
Argentina hope to give superstar Lionel Messi the ultimate World Cup knees-up.
Messi, 35, will feature in the tournament for the last time against reigning champs France in the final inside the Lusail Stadium.
And Qatari World Cup chiefs want to host a parade for the winners along Lusail Boulevard after the stadium presentation.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said: “I hope Leo wins and then says goodbye by lifting the Cup.
“It would be the best possible stage for him to say goodbye.
“The most important thing is to enjoy it — and what better setting than a World Cup final to do so.”
Mbappe’s World Cup
Kylian Mbappe played for a £1.75 plastic trophy in his very first “World Cup final”.
He also promised to buy a colouring book for his team-mate if they won.
Back when Mbappe was a small boy, he had posters of Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Neymar — now his team-mate at Paris Saint-Germain — adorning his bedroom wall.
And winning his school tournament was a matter of “life or death”.
Mbappe, 23, recalled: “Me and my friends, we did not hope to become footballers.
“We did not expect, we did not plan — we dreamed.
“I remember we had this tournament at our school — all the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth graders — and it was our World Cup.
“We were playing for this £1.75 plastic trophy, but we treated it like it was life or death. Your honour is always at stake.
“And it’s funny, because the rule was that every team had to be mixed. Girls and boys.
“Well, unfortunately, not all the girls wanted to play in the tournament, so we had to really negotiate.
“I remember telling my friend that if she gave everything on the pitch and we won the cup, I would buy her a new colouring book. I was begging her.
“Maybe you think I’m exaggerating — but it really meant everything to us.
“We played for this £1.75 cup like it was the Jules Rimet Trophy. That’s just how it was.
“I’m sure it was difficult for my teachers. To them, I really apologise.
“I remember coming home from school one day with nine different warnings from the principal.
“Kylian did not do his homework; Kylian forgot his school supplies; Kylian was talking about football during maths.
“My head was in the clouds.”
World Cup final ref annoyed Tuchel
Polish referee Szymon Marciniak will make history as the first man from his country to take charge of a World Cup final.
But he is the official who infuriated former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel after the club’s Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash against Real Madrid last season.
Marciniak, 41, was the man in charge when the Blues won 3-2 after extra time only to lose 5-4 on aggregate.
Tuchel was fuming with Marciniak after Marcos Alonso had a goal ruled out by VAR for handball in the 62nd minute.
And at the end of the game, Tuchel went to shake hands with the ref who was caught laughing with Real boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Tuchel said: “I think this is very, very bad timing – and I told him that.”
Southgate to stay
Gareth will stay on as England boss.
Southgate is set to give the Football Association the perfect Christmas present by telling them of his decision this week.
The Three Lions boss believed for months the World Cup would be his last tournament in charge and felt the same in the immediate aftermath of the quarter-final defeat by France.
But now he is ready to commit to lead the team to Euro 2024 in Germany.
The news came as Newcastle boss Eddie Howe – who was being linked with the job – said he hoped Southgate would continue with the “magnificent job” he was doing.
The FA will be hugely relieved about Southgate’s change of heart.
Infantino mocked by fans
Fans have been taking great joy from mocking FIFA president Gianni Infantino for his footwear during the World Cup third-place playoff.
The 52-year-old was spotted wearing custom Adidas trainers as he congratulated the Croatian side on their win.

The Europeans beat African side Morocco 2-1 in the match to claim third place in the World Cup.
Josko Gvardiol opened the scoring before Achraf Dari equalised for Morocco. But Mislav Orsic netted the winner in the 42nd minute to give his side the victory.
But Infantino took the attention of the fans with his trainers, which had “FIFA” printed on the side of them.
And fans could not help but poke fun at him on social media as one said: “Infantino’s shoes are so tragic”.
Giroud could be benched
France could make a shock roll of the dice in the World Cup final by dropping Olivier Giroud to the bench.
Giroud has started five games out of six for Les Bleus in Qatar, but after seeing himself substituted in the 65th minute of the semi-final against Morocco his place in the team is now in jeopardy.
Didier Deschamps gave Marcus Thuram a run out against the North African nation.
And this move proved to be effective as they appeared more lively without the former Arsenal and Chelsea ace on the pitch.
While Giroud has been an ever-present for France at both the 2018 World Cup and this year’s tournament, Deschamps could now change up his formula in an effort to beat Argentina.
French outlet L’Equipe have reported that during the first part of France training today, Deschamps experimented by playing Thuram on the left flank and placing Kylian Mbappe through the centre.
Ronaldo’s cryptic message
Cristiano Ronaldo has posted a cryptic video on social media suggesting that people “don’t know him”.
The 37-year-old is currently a free agent after his contract was mutually terminated at Manchester United.

This was the result of the fallout of his explosive interview with Piers Morgan before jetting off for the World Cup in Qatar with Portugal.
Ronaldo uploaded the cryptic video to his Instagram story in which he filmed around his gym while shirtless.
He is the most followed person on the platform, with over 517 million people following him.
During the video, a Portuguese song can be heard in which the lyrics translate to “You don’t know about me. Don’t cry more for me”.
Neville claim
Gary Neville has claimed he was told a year ago why Manchester City were willing to allow Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus to leave – and it was Argentina ace Julian Alvarez.
He told Sky Sports’ World Cup podcast: “I was told a year ago when City let Jesus and Sterling go – because I was quite surprised that City let both go at the same time – that this kid [Alvarez] was the reason.
“Someone said that to me, that is quite close to City, that he was the reason and they didn’t want to block his path.”
Martinez’s tears
New footage has emerged of an emotional Lisandro Martinez breaking down in tears during an interview with an Argentine journalist, after beating the Netherlands.
The Man Utd defender was spotted crying with joy, before receiving a hug from TV interviewer Diego Korol.
Martinez struggled to get out many words.
But he did declare: “[This victory is] to my grandparents who are no longer here.”
Croatia seal third
Whatever happens, at least one little genius of a No 10 has signed off from the World Cup on a high.
Luka Modric will watch Lionel Messi try to write the final chapter to his fairytale in today’s final and wonder what might have been.

But Croatia’s captain and greatest ever player ended his career on the biggest stage of all as a winner.
And the two goals that earned him that pleasure were things of beauty.
Centre back Josko Gvardiol put being tormented by Messi behind him by heading home after a glorious free-kick routine.
Morocco equalised immediately in a crazy two minutes that set the tone for one of the most entertaining games of the tournament.
But Mislav Orsic’s beautiful strike just before the break ultimately proved enough to ensure Croatia would match the third place they secured in 1998.
Argie’s x-rated English song
An X-rated anti-English Argentina song has become the most played song in the country after players sang it in the dressing room.
Following their World Cup semi-final win over Croatia, a video emerged of the team celebrating in the dressing room with a chant which references the Falklands War.
And the song seems to have caught on back home, with it flying up the charts to become the most played song on Spotify in the country.
Globo report the song, known as “Muchachos”, was played more than 500,000 times in a single day.
Defender Nicolas Otamendi filmed shirtless Argentina players singing “Ingleses putos de Malvinas no me olvido”, which has a rough translation of “f***ing English in the Falklands, I don’t forget”.

Kramaric injury blow
Andrej Kramaric’s World Cup ended in tears as he hobbled off injured.
The Croatian striker was offside when he received the ball and tried a cross from the right.

However, in delivering the ball in, the striker damaged his knee and immediately went down with no contact from the defender.
And he was eventually helped off the field by medics in floods of tears.
France kit jinx
Kit manufacturer Nike may have jinxed France’s chances against Argentina.
That’s by putting a “three-star” kit on sale BEFORE Sunday’s World Cup final.

And France now risk embarrassment should they fail to defend their trophy against Lionel Messi.
Didier Deschamps’ men are looking to become the first side to win two successive World Cups since Brazil in 1962.
France’s victory in Russia over four years ago was their second triumph in the competition, having broken their duck on home soil in 1998.
But kit sponsors Nike appear confident that Kylian Mbappe and Co are on course for a third triumph.
Brilliant First-Half
If Croatia and Morocco were on a mission to prove the value of the third-placed play-off, they could not be doing a better job of it so far.
An exciting first 45 sees Croatia go into the break leading 2-1 after an outstanding strike by Mirslav Orsic.
Second-half to come soon and you can follow all the action with our dedicated blog here.
A Tale of Two Strikers
With all the talk of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe dominating tomorrow’s World Cup Final, it’s easy to forget about two other heroes of this tournament.
France’s Olivier Giroud and Julian Alvarez of Argentina have enjoyed outstanding campaigns and both are still in with a shout of winning the Golden Boot.
While at different stages of their careers, they have both successfully acted as foils for teammates while providing crucial goals throughout the tournament.
Alvarez will be desperate not to be outshone by his opposite number tomorrow – he gets enough of that with Erling Haaland at Manchester City.
What a start
Croatia were in front in the third-place play off as the man in the mask, Josko Gvardiol, flew in like a superhero with a diving header from eight yards out.
But Morocco hit back almost immediately as a free-kick fired into the box was headed in by defender Achraf Dari.
What a game so far. Follow it all here.
Fighting for Bronze
We’re well underway at the Khalifa International Stadium as Croatia and Morocco face-off in the third-place play-off.
Follow all the action with our commentary here.
Kar Blimey
France manager Didier Deschamps has confirmed Karim Benzema will not play in the World Cup final.
There had been some hope that the Real Madrid striker might make a surprise return from injury tomorrow.
An angry Deschamps, annoyed about being asked about the forward, snapped at a reporter: “Are you spreading the word among foreign journalists?
“If I don’t answer, you’ll say I’m p***ed off. 
“Some players have been injured and Karim Benzema is one of them and Lucas Hernandez got injured in the first game. 
“So now I am focusing on my 24-man squad and they are the ones I will have at my disposal tomorrow.”
Injuries take their toll
After limping off against France, neither Nayef Aguerd nor Romain Saiss have been deemed fit enough to start for Morocco against Croatia.
The third-place play-off kicks off at 3pm and every kick can be followed here.

Croatian Changes
Zlatko Dalic has rung the changes as he looks to give some football to players who haven’t featured heavily in this tournament.
Luka Modric retains his place in midfield in what could be his last World Cup match. The third-place play off kicks off at 3pm and can be followed here.

‘Like we are playing in Argentina’
Emi Martinez has praised Argentina fans who have made the team feel at home.
South Americans are expected to pack out the Lusail Iconic Stadium for tomorrow’s World Cup Final against France.
And the goalkeeper said: “We feel our fans very closely in every match in every stadium, it’s like we are playing a local match.
“We feel that before the match, during the match, we feel their support. It feels like we are playing in Argentina, in our country which is a huge advantage.”
Happy Ending?
Lionel Messi may finally land the World Cup in his final game in the tournament tomorrow.
Unfortunately 37-year-old Luka Modric won’t get that grand finale but, in what could be his last World Cup game this afternoon, he will be hoping to land the consolation of third-place by beating Morocco this afternoon.
Luka Modric will lead Croatia against Morocco this afternoon in the third-place play-off
Regragui Ready
Morocco boss Walid Regragui said his side are taking today’s third-place play-off against Croatia seriously.
The African nation stunned Qatar by getting all the way to the World Cup semi-finals before losing to France.
Regragui said: “We would like things to have gone differently and played in the final. But there is another game to play and we would like to be on the podium.”
Walid Regragui has his eyes on the prize as Morocco look to take bronze this afternoon
‘They resemble us’
Croatian boss Zlatko Dalic says Morocco’s run to the semi-final “resembles” what Croatia did in 2018.
The pair are set to meet in this afternoon’s third-place play-off and Dalic was keen to pay tribute to his opponents.
The Croatian manager said: “They resemble us from four years ago, no-one expected them to go so far. They have deserved to be where they are.
“They have matured and developed and went to a higher level with every game. They have grown into a team that are full of energy and self-motivated.
“They are definitely the most pleasant and biggest surprise from this World Cup.”
24 Days Later
A lot has happened since Morocco and Croatia met in the World Cup group stages 24 days ago.
Few would have guessed, following their bore 0-0 draw, that Morocco would go on to beat Belgium, top their group, eliminate Spain and Portugal and push France all the way in the semi-final.
Now they are set to take on Croatia again in the third-place play-off in a rare instance of two sides meeting twice in one World Cup.
This was how the stats looked during their 0-0 draw last time out.

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CROATIA finished third at the 2022 World Cup with victory over Morocco.Josko Gvardiol headed Croatia into a lead just moments into the game but the Croatians were not celebrating for long.
Just minutes later Morocco were level as Achraf Dia netted a header of his own, but Mislav Orsic has put the Europeans in front again, curling a stunning strike in off the post.
And this saw the Europeans finish third, four years after being named as runners up in Russia.

Kick-off: 3pm GMT
Live stream: BBC iPlayer
TV channel: BBC One
Croatia XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Perisic; Modric, Kovacic; Kramaric, Majer, Orsic; Livaja
Morocco XI: Bounou; Hakimi, Dari, El Yamiq, Attiat-Pallah; El Khannouss, Amrabat, Sabiri; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal

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Goodbye from Khalifa International Stadium
Sixty-three matches down, one to go.
The penultimate game of the World Cup – normally the one that matters least – served up a humdinger of a contest, befitting two nations that have excelled at Qatar 2022.
In the end, it was Luka Modric and Croatia that took bronze, but only after seeing off the battling effort of Walid Regragui’s history-making Moroccan team.
Tomorrow, attention will turn to Argentina and France, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, and the World Cup final.
You won’t want to miss it, and you won’t with us here at SunSport.
Until then, thanks for joining us and goodnight.
Extra! Read all about it!
They said it was the game that didn’t matter, but for Luka Modric and his Croatia teammates, the smiles on their faces at full time said it all.
Dan King looks back on a thrilling afternoon with his match report of Croatia’s 2-1 win over Morocco in the third place play-off.
Whatever happens, at least one little genius of a number 10 has signed off from the World Cup on a high. Luka Modric will watch Lionel Messi try to write the final chapter to his fairytale in today’s final and wonder what might have been. But Croatia’s captain and greatest ever player ended his career on the biggest stage of all as a winner. And the two goals that earned him that pleasure were things of beauty.Dan KingThe Sun

Modric bows out in style
Luka Modric’s final World Cup performance was every bit as assured and effective as we have come to expect throughout his career.

83 touches
93% pass accuracy
100% take-on success
5 duels won
2 interceptions
7 final third entries

Cro and behold
They not be a vintage class, but Croatia have yet again shown just how hard they are to beat on the world stage.
Credit: @optajoe Twitter
Match stats from Khalifa International Stadium
Morocco’s second half endeavour ensured there wasn’t much in the numbers, but it’s Croatia that win out in Qatar.

Full time – Croatia 2-1 Morocco
Referee Abdulrahman Al Jassim calls time on the third place play-off, and the Croatian bench rushes on to the pitch to celebrate finishing third at Qatar 2022!
It’s another extraordinary achievement for a country of 4,000,000 that played their first World Cup in 1998, and follows up from their runners-up spot at Russia 2018.
The Moroccan players are furious at the final whistle, confronting the officials in numbers but when the dust settles, they too will look proudly back at a memorable tournament.
All the scoring took place in the first half when exquisite finishes from Josko Gvardiol and Mislav Orsic sandwiched Achraf Dari’s immediate equaliser.

Croatia 2-1 Morocco
90+6. En-Nesyri header! Over!
The striker gets up above Perisic to meet a cross from the left, and makes the perfect connection.
The Moroccan does everything right, heading back across the stranded Livakovic, but is an inch over the frame of the goal.
We were that close to extra-time.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
90+4. This time they do manage to get a cross in when Zaroury’s centre is absolutely fizzed towards the near post.
As he’s shown all tournament, Livakovic proves he’s a safe pair of hands.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
90+3. Morocco haven’t given up.
Amrabat bursts forward with the ball from the back, but his teammates are unable to make room for a cross.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
90. As the fourth official signals six extra minutes, Hakimi finds space on the right touchline and delivers a gorgeous centre.
En-Nesyri gets up highest but his header clatters into Petkovic at close quarters.
Immediately, the Morocco goalkeeper claims handball, but the referee isn’t interested, and replays show that it cannoned off the Croatian substitute’s back.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
89. For once, Ziyech’s delivery is an awful one, and crashes straight into his clubmate Kovacic.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
88. Two minutes to go, and the Croatian supporters in the stadium think they’ve got this one won.
On the pitch, the Moroccans have other ideas and win a free-kick midway inside the Croatia half.
They send everyone bar the goalkeeper up on to the edge of the area.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
86. Kovacic with the chance to seal victory! Wide!
The Chelsea man gets ahead of Hakimi with great desire, but then demonstrates his shooting ability with an effort pulled the wrong side of the far post.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
84. Amallah is cautioned for catching Petkovic with his arm, and then it all gets a little out of hand.
Five furious Moroccan players surround the referee, while another group are involved in some pushing and shoving with their Croatian counterparts.
Maybe the third place play-off does matter.

Croatia 2-1 Morocco
82. A corner to Croatia, but the Europeans don’t over commit in sending players forward.
Unsurprisingly, it comes to nothing.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
80. Ziyech goes looking for Chair at the far post, but his cross is too high for the substitute.
And not just because the QPR man is five foot two.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
79. And still the Moroccan fans bring the noise.
But can their side muster one last burst?
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
77. The more replays shown of the challenge on Gvardiol, the more it looks a penalty.
I’ve no idea what the VAR officials are up to, perhaps they’ve knocked off for their tea.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
75. Straight down the other end, and En-Nesyri’s point blank effort is sensationally saved by Livakovic.
Seconds later, Hakimi goes down on the edge of the area, and he too is told to get up.
The referee is now getting it in the neck from both sets of players and benches.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
74. A brilliant move by Croatia takes advantage of a fantastic burst from the back by Gvardiol to find the centre-back inside the penalty area.
The defender looks set to cap a sensational move, only to be brought down by Amrabat.
It looks a clear penalty, but Abdulrahman Al Jassim waves play-on.

Croatia 2-1 Morocco
71. Substitute Ounahi goes into the book for a petulant show of dissent.
It’s the first yellow card shown by Abdulrahman Al Jassim this afternoon.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
70. As ever with a flurry of substitutions, any kind of tempo has evaporated.
Vlasic tries to bring it back somewhat with a driving run through the heart of a midfield, and a 25-yard strike over the crossbar.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
67. Morocco boss Walid Regregui has big problems here, and he’ll be glad that this tournament is almost over.
Shortly after one central defender in Achraf Dari had gone off injured, it seems now that so too will the other.
Jawad El Yamiq has indicated that he’s unable to continue, and all the coach has left on the bench is a midfielder in Selim Amallah.
It looks like the Moroccans are going to have to restructure for the final quarter of the contest.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
66. Now Croatia make a double switch.
Mario Pasalic and Bruno Petkovic come on for Lovro Majer and Marko Livajo.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
64. Walid Regragui freshens things up with another two changes.
One of those is enforced with goalscorer Achraf Dari going off with a knock, and he’s replaced in a like-for-like move by centre-back Bard Benoun.
Anass Zaroury for Sofiane Boufal is the other change.
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CROATIA and Morocco battling it out in the dreaded World Cup third place play-off and what a start to the game it has been with Croatia ahead!Josko Gvardiol headed Croatia into a lead just moments into the game but the Croatians were not celebrating for long.
Just minutes later Morocco were level as Achraf Dia netted a header of his own, but Mislav Orsic has put the Europeans in front again, curling a stunning strike in off the post.

Kick-off: 3pm GMT
Live stream: BBC iPlayer
TV channel: BBC One
Croatia XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Perisic; Modric, Kovacic; Kramaric, Majer, Orsic; Livaja
Morocco XI: Bounou; Hakimi, Dari, El Yamiq, Attiat-Pallah; El Khannouss, Amrabat, Sabiri; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal

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Croatia 2-1 Morocco
47. Orsic nearly begins the second half just as he ended the first – by scoring a stunning goal.
The 29-year-old forward takes aim from 20 yards, and ends up rippling the side-netting with his angled drive.
It took a deflection too, and will be a corner.
Kick-off – Croatia 2-1 Morocco
46. There’s one change to report as Morocco restart matters in Qatar, and it’s a notable one for supporters of Queens Park Rangers.
Their miniature magician, Ilias Chair, is on for his first appearance at the World Cup, replacing Abdelhamid Sabiri.
First half facts and figures
Croatia have dominated the action at the Khalifa International Stadium, but Morocco have shown throughout this tournament that you write them off at your peril.

Half-time – Croatia 2-1 Morocco
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
45. The fourth official signals that two minutes of additional time will be played.
Long gone have the halcyon days of double figures on the electronic board.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
44. Back in front, Croatia will be hoping this lead lasts slightly longer than their previous one did.
Croatia 2-1 Morocco
42. Croatia regain the lead just as Morocco found themselves on top.
It’s an absolute peach of a goal too, not in keeping with any of the play in the build-up.
Again, the Croatians failed to make the most of the opening with Josip Stanisic neglecting to shoot when presented with an opportunity.
But then Bilal El Khannous made a real hash of clearing his lines, and when he was dispossessed, the ball was laid left to Mislav Orsic.
What followed was genius as the Dinamo Zagreb man unleashed a curling right-footed effort that bent around Yassine Bono to clip into the net off the inside of the far post.

Back in front!

Croatia 1-1 Morocco
40. Ziyech is up for this, and is really enjoying himself out there.
The Moroccan tricks his way back inside Modric with a lovely piece of skill, and his eyes light up at the sight of goal.
Taking a shot on from 30 yards, the captain doesn’t quite get it right with a fizzed pull wide of the near post.
Croatia 1-1 Morocco
39. Good tracking back from Boufal denies Modric the opportunity to loop a cross into the danger area.
Southampton fans must be wondering where this player was as opposed to the one they signed.
Croatia 1-1 Morocco
37. A first Morocco corner of the game.
Captain Ziyech sends over an inswinger with his left foot, and the flick at the near post from En-Nesyri almost loops into the far corner.
The striker wears a rueful look on his face as he jogs back into position.

Croatia 1-1 Morocco
35. Morocco win a free-kick midway inside the Croatia half, and Ziyech stands over the ball.
The delivery from the Chelsea man is excellent too, and requires a very good defensive header from Perisic to deny one of a number of attackers the chance to connect.
This is undoubtedly Walid Regragui’s side’s best spell of the game.
Croatia 1-1 Morocco
33. Boufal and El Khannous work a one-two that takes the former into the penalty box.
Just as the former Southampton man is about to strike, Gvardiol gets across to block it behind.
Referee Abdulrahman Al Jassim awards a goalkick – the correct decision as it turns out – but the Morocco players are furious, quickly surrounding the official.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen six men so upset not to win a corner. In the first half. Of a third place play-off.

Croatia 1-1 Morocco
31. Morocco’s tails are up now, and epitomised by the way Sabiri storms through Kovacic in the midfield as if he wasn’t there.
Croatia 1-1 Morocco
29. But that should have been a second for the North Africans!
Beautiful link-up play between Ziyech and Hakimi down the right completely cuts open the Croatians, and allows the Paris Saint-Germain full-back to fly into the area unchallenged.
Hakimi has En-Nesyri in the middle, but overcooks his cross with too much power and swerve, leaving the striker looking back agonisingly at the ball disappearing out of play.
Croatia 1-1 Morocco
28. Morocco’s only attempt on goal so far was the equaliser.
Otherwise, this game has been all Croatia.
Croatia 1-1 Morocco
26. Not for the first time, Majer delivers and finds the head of Perisic.
On this occasion, however, Perisic’s header is poor and the offside flag is up.
Croatia 1-1 Morocco
25. Croatia win another free-kick deep in Morocco’s half, and again Modric and Majer stand over it.
This one isn’t as central as the one they scored from, mind you. In fact it’s right out on this near touchline.
Croatia 1-1 Morocco
23. Modric goes close to scoring!
The Croatia midfielder takes advantage of a weak clearance from Attiyat Allah to whip a low left-footer towards the far post from the edge of the box.
Bono needs two attempts to keep it out and clear, but eventually gets the job done.
Croatia 1-1 Morocco
21. A glorious ball from Kovacic, who had dropped into the backline, looks perfect for Perisic on the left.
However, the bounce was too much for the Tottenham man, agonisingly rebounding up and over his head for a throw.
Croatia 1-1 Morocco
19. The Morocco fans turn the noise up a level inside Khalifa International Stadium.
Their support at this World Cup has been every bit as impressive as their team.
Croatia 1-1 Morocco
17. Morocco give the ball away in a dangerous area again!
This time it’s Boufal that’s easily knocked off the ball, but Croatia lack conviction in their attacking.
Wasting a four-on-two opportunity, Kramaric eventually tries his luck with a curler that’s comfortably grabbed by Bono.
Croatia 1-1 Morocco
14. Orsic makes his way through a nothing challenge from Hakimi, and has a chance to work an opening.
Stanisic follows up in support, and ends up getting a strike away that spins behind for a corner.
Croatia 1-1 Morocco
12. Wow! What a start that was!
I joked earlier that this would finish 6-6, and now I’m regretting not betting my blogger’s fee on such a result.
Croatia 1-1 Morocco
10. Back up the other end, and Orsic goes for goal with a right-footed curler from the edge of the box.
It’s well wide though. Perhaps he should have tried heading it.
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IT WILL be Argentina vs France in the World Cup final!Which of course means the battle of Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappe in the HUGE showpiece final on Sunday afternoon.
France reached the final after defeating Morocco 2-0 in their crunch semi-final.
Elsewhere, Thomas Tuchel is in the frame for the England job after the Three Lions came crashing out of the World Cup in Qatar.
Gareth Southgate is set to consider his future, with two years left remaining on his contract.

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You beauty
Rodrigo de Paul hailed Lionel Messi as “The Beast” for inspiring Argentina to the World Cup final.
Yet again, Messi delivered when his team needed it, scoring the first goal from the spot, playing his part in the second and brilliantly creating the third in the 3-0 semi-final win over Croatia.
Atletico Madrid midfielder De Paul said: “Luckily, we have The Beast.
“We play for our country, but for us Leo is our captain, our leader, he’s like an older brother, I will always defend him.
“Few know what he does to always be the best and I’m very happy for him.
“After everything that’s happened, I want him to be the one who enjoys it the most. He deserves it a lot.”
Superstar head-to-head
Messi has openly admitted the final will be his last ever World Cup game.
But while there is a 12-year age gap between Messi, 35, and Mbappe, 23, there has been little to separate them at this World Cup.
Or over the last two World Cups for that matter.
Mbappe’s stats don’t go back any further than that, while the current tournament in Qatar is Messi’s FIFTH time on football’s greatest stage.
Although, despite playing 12 less games at the World Cup, Mbappe has only scored TWO fewer goals than Messi.

France set up classic encounter
Before this tournament started, had you offered anyone an Argentina against France final, plenty would have taken your arm off.
In Lionel Messi, you have arguably the best player the world has ever seen, with his final chance to win the trophy he has always craved.
But for Les Bleus, in Kylian Mbappe, they have the future of football who will do all he can to prevent that from happening.

Ronaldo slammed by Hamann
Cristiano Ronaldo was astonishingly attacked by Dietmar Hamann, who praised Morocco’s “dignity in defeat”.
Liverpool legend Hamann hailed Morocco for how they handled defeat while aiming a dig at Ronaldo.
He said on RTE: “You talk about these superstars, top earners, top players, and one of the greatest players, who left the scene about a week ago, in Ronaldo.
“He couldn’t even congratulate them, after the game.
“Morocco won that game, they did something historic, and he didn’t even have the dignity to congratulate them for what they had achieved.
“And now you watch them, and how they shake hands with the French, and the dignity and graciousness they show in defeat. Brilliant.”
Morocco became the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final but lost 2-0 to France, who face Argentina in the final.

French fans celebrate into the night
‘Allez Les Bleus’ rings out from the stands and the surrounding fan-parks.
They are one step away from achieving the dream they set out to accomplish when heading out to Qatar.
When the news of Karim Benzema’s injury hit the camp prior to their first game, even the most ardent fan could be forgiven for doubting their chances of success.
Only Argentina stand in their way now.

United ask after Ramos
Man Utd are set to enquire about Portugal ace Goncalo Ramos’ availability after the 2022 World Cup, reports suggest.
Ramos has stood out this season with 14 goals and six assists in 21 appearances with Benfica and also registered a hat-trick for Portugal in their Last 16 clash against Switzerland.
According to ESPN, United will look to make a swoop for the striker in the January transfer window but a deal is in no way certain.
Manager Erik ten Hag is looking for a new centre-forward after Cristiano Ronaldo’s dramatic exit.

Ronaldo was axed with immediate effect after his bombshell interview in which he slammed the club from top to bottom.
Ramos is seen as a suitable successor, and he proved it as he replaced the five-time Ballon d’Or winner against Switzerland and led Portugal to the World Cup quarter-finals after a 6-1 triumph.
Another mighty effort from Morocco
The Atlas Lions can hold their heads high, Les Bleus know they have been in a game today.
Had they managed to just convert one of their chances, this could have been a completely different game.
The stats show just how evenly matched these two teams were.

Full time: France 2-0 Morocco
France are the first team to reach back-to-back World Cup finals since Brazil some 20 years ago.
They are also the first European team to do this for 84 years.
Morocco have finally run out of steam and head home from Qatar.
GOAL: France 2-0 Morocco
That will make for a more comfortable climax to this game for Les Bleus.
They were on the ropes so many times as Morocco sprayed them with punch after punch.
But Kolo Muani’s first goal for his country has settled this game.

France 1-0 Morocco: Inside the ground
Martin Lipton reports from Qatar:
The effort has been immense, on and off the pitch.
But you do sense that Morocco are starting to run out of legs.
France have not taken advantage yet but the gaps are getting bigger.
Not that the drummers at either end are going to accept that.
Inside the ground – Giroud chance
SunSport’s Martin Lipton reports from Al Khor:
How did Giroud miss that?
Absolute sitter, scooped wide from 12 yards with the keeper and his defence spread-eagled.
All came because Mbappe, unsurprisingly, is too quick for the re-shaped Morocco back line.
There is a desperation about their defending now. Pretty ugly stuff.
Though not as ugly as that Giroud shocker – as he showed by trying to hide his face under his shirt.

Game updates
It’s an early lead for the French in Al Khor.
Follow along with SunSport’s live blog here.
Credit: Alamy
France 1-0 Morocco
Goal… it’s Theo Hernandez for France.
Griezmann does brilliantly down the right.
He finds Mbappe in the box who tries twice to get a shot away, the second being blocked with the ball breaking to Hernandez.
He gets over the ball and volleys into the net.
More to France than Mbappe
Morocco will find this evening, as England did, that there is a lot more to Deschamps’ side than their talisman forward.
Throughout the tournament, their team have stepped up when needed.
Griezmann in particular has been key to their success so far.

Inside the ground – pre match analysis
SunSport’s Dan King reports from Qatar:
Just under an hour to go until kick-off, but the volume of the whistling from the Morocco fans already in their seats is  impressive when any reference is made to France.
Speaking of the French, they make one change from the starting 11 against England.
As SunSport predicted, Adrien Rabiot is not well enough to take the field and so Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana comes in alongside Aurelian Tchouameni.
There’s good news for Morocco, though (and David Moyes). West Ham defender Nayef Agerd is fit to play, and so is left back Noussair Mazraoui. People who know about these things are predicting a back five for the North Africans.
They were never going to make it easy for the French, who will need all their guile and patience to find a way through the best defence of the tournament.
The consensus seems to be that this will be a game too far for the Moroccans. Whatever happens they’ve broken new ground and they and their fans have lit up the tournament.
But wouldn’t it be great if they could add France to their impressive list of victims? Stranger things have happened.
Morocco starting XI
Walid Regragui makes several changes for this evening’s game including a change of formation as they switch to 5-4-1.
1. Bono, 2. Hakimi, 18. El Yamiq, 5. Aguerd, 6. Saiss, 3. Mazraoui, 7. Ziyech, 8. Ounahi, 4. S Amrabat, 17. Boufal, 19. En-Nesyri

France starting XI
Didier Deschamps is without Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot who missed training yesterday due to both players suffering from a virus.
1. Lloris, 5. Kounde, 4. Varane, 24. Konate, 22. Hernandez, 8. Tchouaméni, 13. Fofana, 11. Dembele, 7. Griezmann, 10. Mbappe, 9. Giroud

Magical Messi awaits
Remember, it is Lionel Messi’s Argentina who are up for the winner in the big final.
The final will kick off on Sunday at 3pm UK time.
We can’t wait!

Morocco flights cancelled
Thousands of Morocco fans have been left utterly devastated after Qatar banned flights from the country at the last minute.
After Morocco qualified for the semi-final, 30 special flights for Tuesday and Wednesday between Casablanca and Doha were organised.
But now they have been left at home.
Royal Air Maroc said in a statement: “Following the latest restrictions imposed by the Qatari authorities, Royal Air Maroc regrets to inform clients of the cancellation of their flights operated by Qatar Airways.”

Can France rewrite history?
Only two countries have retained the World Cup since the tournament first began in 1930.
Italy retained the trophy way back in 1938 and Brazil did the same in 1962.
So no country has reclaimed their prize in over 60 years which is incredible.
France will be itching to break that long spell but they have to get past a stubborn Moroccan side first.
Head-to-head
France boss the head-to-head record 7-3 with one draw.
That solo Morocco victory came in their first meeting way back in April 1963.
The 2-2 draw in November 2007 ended a run of five straight French victories – Samir Nasri was on the scoresheet in Paris as Marouane Chamakh led the line for the away side.
France vs Morocco preview
France look to reach their second consecutive World Cup final as they face underdogs Morocco in the semis TONIGHT.
Les Bleus overcame England 2-1 in the quarter-finals, while the African side beat Portugal in a tense affair.
And now Kylian Mbappe and Co come up against a Moroccan side which features his PSG team-mate Achraf Hakimi and Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech.

More on exclusive vote
The next most popular choice behind Tuchel was Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who would be perfect for the job according to SunSport columnist Jack Wilshere.
Other less popular English options include Frank Lampard, who won 106 caps for England but had just eight per cent share of the vote.
Chelsea boss Graham Potter was even less popular with 7.7 per cent.
Mauricio Pochettino, who has been linked with a host of jobs over the last year, came in third.
Fans vote for next gaffer
England fans have revealed who they want to succeed Gareth Southgate if he steps down as manager in an exclusive SunSport poll.
The Three Lions boss is considering quitting after six years in the job.
The FA want Southgate to remain in charge for the next major tournament, Euro 2024, but he is weighing up his options.

Former Chelsea and PSG boss Thomas Tuchel is one of the favourites to take over with the FA open to appointing a foreign boss.
The German is keen to take over and would likely have the backing of fans, according to a recent SunSport poll.
Last night’s stat attack
Ahead of this evening’s second World Cup semi-final, here’s a look back at the stats from last night.
Argentina eased past 2018 finalists Croatia 3-0, but the stats suggest it was a more even game than it seemed.

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FRANCE have reached successive World Cup finals after beating Morocco 2-0.And they now face Lionel Messi and Argentina in the big final on Sunday afternoon.
Theo Hernandez acrobatically scored after just five minutes before super-sub Randal Kolo Muani put the semi-final out of Morocco’s reach.
Though France did not have it all their own way as Morocco piled on the pressure in the second half.

Result France 2-0 Morocco
France XI: Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Konate, Theo Hernandez; Tchouameni, Fofana; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
Morocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, El Yamiq, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui; Amrabat, Ounahi; Ziyech, En Nesyri, Boufal

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French fans celebrate into the night
‘Allez Les Bleus’ rings out from the stands and the surrounding fan-parks.
They are one step away from achieving the dream they set out to accomplish when heading out to Qatar.
When the news of Karim Benzema’s injury hit the camp prior to their first game, even the most ardent fan could be forgiven for doubting their chances of success.
Only Argentina stand in their way now.
As a side note, I wonder if ‘Gala’ ever thought in 1997 that her song ‘Freed From Desire’ would be played at the end of football games at a World Cup some 25 years later.
Credit: EPA
Credit: Getty
France set up classic encounter
Before this tournament started, had you offered anyone an Argentina versus France final, plenty would have taken your arm off.
In Lionel Messi, you have probably the best player the world has seen, with his final chance to win the trophy he has always craved.
But for Les Bleus, in Kylian Mbappe, they have the future of football who will do all he can to prevent that from happening.
The mouth waters at the prospect.
Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Credit: Getty
‘Le petit prince’ reigns supreme
Well there was no argument who was the standout player for France this evening.
Antoine Griezmann, playing in his new deeper role. pulled the strings for Didier Deschamps tonight.
He has been doing just that throughout the tournament and his link up play between midfield and attack is sublime.

FT: France 2-0 Morocco
The Atlas Lions can hold their heads high, Les Bleus know they have been in a game today.
Had they managed to just convert one of their chances, this could have been a completely different game.
The stats show just how evenly matched these two teams were.

FT: France 2-0 Morocco
France are the first team to reach back-to-back World Cup finals since Brazil some 20 years ago.
They are also the first European team to do this for 84 years.
Morocco have finally run out of steam and head home from Qatar.
France 2-0 Morocco
90+6. That was unbelievable that the Atlas Lions did not score.
It may have only been a consolation but was no more than Morocco had deserved here tonight.
France look to run the clock down now.
Inside the ground – closing time
Martin Lipton reports from Qatar:
The locals are starting to leave.
But the Moroccan fans will stay all the way to the end. And probably for quite a while afterwards.
The celebrations for France. And rightly so.
A fourth final in the seven World Cups I’ve covered. Maybe I should ask for a bonus.
The glory, though, for the defeated side.
They have taken African football further than it has ever gone before.
And from now on, talking about an African winner is not fanciful. It’s possible.
France 2-0 Morocco
90+4. Morocco are still probing and looking for something.
The ball is worked into the box and half-cleared.
Ounahi twists and turns and gets a shot away but it deflects behind for a corner.
From the resulting corner it is cleared but Morocco come straight back at France.
They get into the six yard box, get the ball past Lloris but somehow Kounde clears the ball off the line.
France 2-0 Morocco
90+2. Tears stream down the faces of young Morocco fans.
Their dreams of a World Cup final in tatters.
But it has taken the quality of the defending world champions to dislodge them from this competition.
France 2-0 Morocco
90. Despite what seems to be their exit this evening, Morocco can walk off this pitch with heads held high.
They have been a breath of fresh air in the World Cup.
And their names will be etched in the history of the competition.
We are going to have an added six minutes here.
Credit: Getty
France 2-0 Morocco
88. All this Morocco side have lacked tonight is that clinical finish.
They have caused France all sorts of problems and had their fans with hearts in mouth aplenty.
Walid Regragui’s side just lacked the ability to finish their attacks off.
France 2-0 Morocco
86. Morocco are still not giving up.
They saw what Holland did Argentina after all.
A goal for the Atlas Lions in the next five minutes will rattle this French defence.
Inside the ground – telling strike
Martin Lipton reports from Qatar:
And there you go. 
You can’t get a better first touch than scoring what is surely the decisive goal in a World Cup semi-final.
Mbappe did all the hard work with the wriggle and shot and the deflection made it easy for Muani to slot home from six yards or so.
Morocco could have given no more.
They’ve pushed and pushed.
But in the end, reality has struck.
And we will get the Final the rest of the non-African and non-Arab world wanted.
Messi v Mbappe, for the biggest prize in the game.
France 2-0 Morocco
84. That will make for a more comfortable climax to this game for Les Bleus.
They were on the ropes so many times as Morocco sprayed them with punch after punch.
But Kolo Muani’s first goal for his country has settled this game.
Credit: Getty
France 2-0 Morocco
82. What a harsh end to the hopes of Morocco.
Nothing more than plain bad luck as that ball deflected straight into the French sub’s path.
It completely wrong-footed Bono in the Moroccan goal.
France 2-0 Morocco
80. That may have put the final nail in the coffin of the Atlas Lions.
Mbappe tries to work a position to shoot inside the box but his shot is blocked.
The ball deflects into the path of Kolo Muani who puts the ball away.
Goal – Randal Kolo Muani (France)
France 1-0 Morocco
78. Amrabat pings a ball out wide.
As Morocco cut inside the ball is snuffed out by Varane.
Forgot he was playing to be fair, it has been the Ibrahima Konate show in defence for Les Bleus.
Amallah comes off for Ezzalzouli.
Dembele comes off for Kolo Muani
Credit: EPA
Inside the ground – Atlas Lions effort
Martin Lipton reports from Qatar:
The effort has been immense, on and off the pitch.
But you do sense that Morocco are starting to run out of legs.
France have not taken advantage yet but the gaps are getting bigger.
Not that the drummers at either end are going to accept that.
France 1-0 Morocco
76. Walid Regragui is looking to make another change for the Atlas Lions.
Hamdallah dances his way through the French defence but seems as though he does not want to pull the trigger.
What a goal that would have been.
France 1-0 Morocco
74. We are almost into the last quarter of the game now.
Time is running out for Walid Regragui’s side.
All it will take is one goal to take us to extra-time.
France counter attack and find Youssef Fofana in the box but he slices his shot well wide more akin to teammate Wesley.
Inside the ground – Giroud off
Martin Lipton reports from Qatar:
Giroud’s departure sees Mbappe operating through the middle for France.
That makes sense because the centre-halves are unlikely to be quicker than wide defenders.
France appear to have got their balance back after weathering the storm.
But the wall of Moroccan sound is not going away.
Every pass and tackle are cheered. When it looks as if they might create something, off the scale.
France 1-0 Morocco
72. Grizemann stands over yet another free kick.
He picks out Thuram at the back post but he heads it wide.
Big chance to kill the game off there.
France 1-0 Morocco
70. Griezman whips the ball in but it evades everyone.
Mbappe picks the ball up, drops the shoulder and looks to shoot.
Great block from Morocco before the flag is raised for offside.
That decision could be from anytime from the opening game of the tournament up to this point.
Credit: Getty
France 1-0 Morocco
68. The fresh legs for Morocco could cause even more problems for Didier Deschamps’ team.
Thuram is doing just that as he beats his man down the left and draws a foul from Hakimi.
Needless foul.
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