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      World Cup 2022 LIVE: France reach final to set up Kylian Mbappe vs Lionel Messi showdown, Qatar latest

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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.

      World Cup 2022 sign up offer: Get £40 in FREE BETS when you stake £10 at Sky Bet
      Stay tuned with all the latest from the tournament…
      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.

      Load more entries… More

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      Gareth Southgate to decide on England future next year and FA will NOT stand in his way if he decides to quit

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE will wait until next year to decide his England future.Southgate’s tenure as England chief was up in the air going into the World Cup and the uncertainty continues following the Three Lions’ quarter-final defeat to France.
      England were dumped out of the World Cup by France at the quater-final stageCredit: REX
      The future of manager Gareth Southgate’s future is currently up in the airCredit: REX
      The Three Lions chief won’t make a hasty decision on his futureCredit: REX
      The 52-year-old will deliberate his future over the festive period before deciding whether or not to call it quits.
      That’s according to The Daily Telegraph, who claim he’s set to meet FA chief executive Mark Bullingham and technical director John McDermot after the turn of the New Year.
      The FA are said to be keen on retaining his services, but will “not stand in his way” if he decides to move on.
      Southgate – who was appointed in November 2016 – has two years left on his contract.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      His appointment has been a roaring success, with the former England and Middlesbrough defender guiding his troops to the semi-finals and final of the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 respectively.
      But he was coy on his future after England’s 2-1 defeat to the French last weekend.
      He said: “After every tournament, we have sat and reviewed and reflected and that needs a bit of time to make sure everyone makes the right decisions.”
      Southgate said of the defeat: “The performance deserved better but in the end goals are decisive.
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      “I just said to the players they couldn’t have given any more. They played really well against a top team.
      “There’s fine margins and things at both ends that decided the game.
      “The way this group has progressed through this tournament has been fantastic.”
      When pressed on the potential criticism his troops would receive following their elimination, he added: “It’s pointless me going into that.
      “I’d rather talk about our players and to congratulate France – they know they’ve been in a hell of a game.
      “We have given a top team a game. We couldn’t have done any more.”
      The FA are reportedly willing to appoint a foreign coach should Southgate walk away from England.
      Jose Mourinho, Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino have all been linked with the job.
      The FA won’ t stand in Gareth Southgate’s way if he decides to leave his roleCredit: REX More

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      Arsenal fans fume as Saliba is STILL not picked despite Upamecano’s illness for France’s World Cup semi-final vs Morocco

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      ARSENAL fans were left fuming after William Saliba failed to make France’s XI against Morocco.That’s despite Dayot Upamecano being ruled out of the 2-0 semi-final win through illness.
      Arsenal fans were not happy William Saliba was left out of France’s semi-final win over MoroccoCredit: Reuters
      Saliba is one of just two France players not to start a match at the World Cup, the other being Marcus Thuram.
      But a gap opened up for the Gunners ace in the lead-up to Wednesday’s semi-final battle.
      Bayern Munich star Upamecano had to be left out by Didier Deschamps after becoming sick.
      And many expected Saliba, who has played a key role in Arsenal’s title charge, to fill the void.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      However, the 21-year-old was faced with disappointment yet again.
      That’s because Deschamps eventually plumped for Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate instead.
      It saw Saliba relegated to the bench yet again, with the ace remaining glued to it for the entire match.
      And Arsenal supporters quickly took to social media to vent their fury at the decision.
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      One roared: “Saliba is just a tourist at this World Cup.”
      Another declared: “He is literally their best centre-back, Deschamps definitely hasn’t watched Arsenal.”
      One moaned: “What exactly is Deschamps’ problem with Saliba, who has been the best centre half in the Premier League?”
      Another added: “Saliba’s been robbed of a starting place.”
      Indeed, Saliba struggled to get minutes off the bench before Wednesday’s win over Morocco.
      His only appearance in the World Cup has been as a sub in the 1-0 defeat to Tunisia.
      And Saliba is unlikely to feature in Sunday’s final against Argentina. More

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      Morocco sub Selim Amallah taken back off by manager in rarely seen moment in World Cup semi-final defeat to France

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      MOROCCAN midfielder Selim Amallah was taken off in the 78th minute of their World Cup semi-final loss to France, despite only coming on as a first-half substitute.The 26-year-old replaced the injured Romain Saiss midway through the first period after the Wolves centre-back was forced off with a recurring injury.
      Selim Amallah came on for Romain Saiss in the 21st minuteCredit: Rex
      He was then taken off with 12 minutes remaining as Morocco went in search of a goalCredit: Getty
      It meant a change in formation for the Atlas Lions as midfielder Amallah’s introduction saw them switch from a back five to their more familiar 4-3-3.
      It came after Theo Hernandez had given reigning world champions France the lead in the fifth minute.
      But Morocco dominated large periods of the game from then on, particularly in the second half.
      Yet they could not find a way through and so needed to go to an even more attacking approach as the game went on.

      And manager Walid Regragui had few ways he could change it given Nayef Aguerd was swapped out before kick-off due to injury, before Saiss went off in the first period and Noussair Mazraoui was taken off at half-time.
      As a result, he took substitute Amallah off for Abde Ezzalzouli in a move you rarely see in football.

      But on this occasion the “sub for a sub” change did not come because Amallah had been poor.
      In fact, the Standard Liege man had impressed for Morocco as they dominated the middle of the park for big chunks of the match.
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      It was merely a move to try and get more players forward in the closing stages in search of a goal.
      As it transpired, France ended up killing off the game moments later when Kylian Mbappe’s shot deflected into the path of Randal Kolo Muani who tapped home.
      Morocco will now end their best ever World Cup with a third-place play-off against Croatia on Saturday, before France take on Argentina for the trophy on Sunday. More

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      World Cup 2022 results: Rundown of entire Qatar tournament including groups and knock-outs plus final

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      FOOTBALL’S biggest tournament is sadly coming to an end with the World Cup final participants officially pencilled in for Sunday.Reigning champions France will be determined to be the first nation in 60 years to retain their title.
      France have the chance to retain their World Cup trophyCredit: Rex
      Argentina sealed their World Cup final spot with a 3-0 hammering on CroatiaCredit: Rex
      But Les Bleus have the tall order of Argentina to get by after their convincing 3-0 victory over Croatia.
      Furthermore, the Argentinians have a little magician named Lionel who is Messi desperate to bow out of international football with a World Cup winners medal.
      Find out how the tournament unravelled below…
      World Cup full RESULTS
      Below is the entire results list from the group stages, right through to the knock-outs.
      Group stage
      Sunday, November 20

      Monday, November 21

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      Tuesday, November 22

      Wednesday, November 23

      Thursday, November 24

      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup

      Friday, November 25

      Saturday, November 26

      Sunday, November 27

      Monday, November 28

      Tuesday, November 29

      Wednesday, November 30

      Thursday, December 1

      Friday, December 2

      Last 16
      Saturday, December 3

      Sunday, December 4

      Monday, December 5

      Tuesday, December 6

      Quarter-finals
      Friday, December 9

      Saturday, December 10

      Semi-finals
      Tuesday, December 13

      Wednesday, December 14

      Saturday, December 17

      Final
      Sunday, December 18
      Read More on The Sun

      Based on UK time zone More

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      Lionel Messi in the World Cup final is a wonderful moment for football… Argentina will be playing for him, says Zabaleta

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      PABLO ZABALETA won five major trophies with Manchester City and played alongside Lionel Messi when Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany.Here he writes about the magic of Messi, who says Sunday’s final will be his last World Cup game.
      Sunday’s World Cup final against France will be Lionel Messi’s last game in the tournamentCredit: EPA
      Messi and Pablo Zabaleta are former Argentina team-matesCredit: Getty
      LIONEL MESSI is desperate to win this World Cup — and as Argentinians, we all desperately want that, too.
      It has been amazing to watch his performances, his celebrations, the passion he is showing on the pitch.
      How he performed against Croatia in the semi-final on Tuesday was incredible.
      For all the people who love football, this is a moment to enjoy because I’m not sure we’ll have an opportunity to see Messi in another World Cup after this weekend.
      Read More World Cup News
      You can see why so many fans have travelled over from South America to be in Qatar.
      Everyone is excited he will play in a second World Cup final.
      We were so close in 2014 when we lost the final 1-0 to Germany in extra-time in Brazil.
      That was very hard to take.
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      There will be tension on Sunday against France, there will be nerves.
      But every single player has to enjoy the occasion — whether it’s 90 minutes, 120 minutes or penalties.
      We need to be humble and keep our feet on the ground given the experience of the first game, the defeat to Saudi Arabia.
      We have also seen a lot of upsets at this World Cup.
      After losing three consecutive finals with Argentina between 2014-16 — the World Cup and then two Copa Americas on penalties to Chile — Messi took a brief break.
      There was a lot of criticism on him.
      It was a tough period for Messi.
      But winning the Copa America in 2021 on his return — particularly against Brazil on their own ground — took the pressure off.
      You can see that, at 35, he is enjoying it on the field again in an Argentina shirt.
      He’s in a good mood.
      In the last three years, Messi has matured and become a true leader for the team.
      Messi has always been a good professional behind the scenes.
      He loves football and is also a big family man.
      It is not easy for a person like him to go out.
      Everyone will recognise him.
      It’s hard for those type of people to go out and enjoy a normal life.
      To go to the cinema or do activities outside with the kids.
      That’s why when he played for Barcelona, he spent most of the time at home, with his family, hosting BBQs.
      What has been important this time is the fact the players are following Messi.
      He’s an inspiration to the younger players, especially those like Alexis Mac Allister with little international experience.
      You may have seen on social media there is a photo of his 22-year-old strike partner, Julian Alvarez, posing with Messi when he was just 12.
      Messi has been at the top since Julian ALvarez and Alexis Mac Allister were kidsCredit: Getty
      So imagine what it must mean to them to play alongside their hero now.
      Messi has always been shy and quiet — not a player or person who is very vocal in the dressing room.
      But he is one of those players that when he does speak, everyone will listen to his words.
      Coming from Messi, one of the greatest players of all time, if you don’t get inspired when you hear him talking, it’s because you are not a human being.
      When I see Messi walking out as captain, everyone is behind him.
      Playing for their lives but also for Messi.
      This is something that makes us all very emotional in Argentina.
      Read More on The Sun
      It would be brilliant to see Messi lifting the greatest trophy in world football.
      Pablo Zabaleta will be part of the BBC’s World Cup Final coverage this Sunday. The World Cup Final is live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds. More

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      When is Croatia vs Morocco? TV channel, live stream and kick-off time for World Cup third place play-off match

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      CROATIA and Morocco are set to battle in the one match which all teams participating in the World Cup hope to avoid – the third place play-off.Luca Modric and Co were the first team slip into the play-off having fell victim to a remarkable Argentina side inspired by Lionel Messi.
      Luka Modric failed to guide his nation to another World Cup finalCredit: Getty
      Morocco were beaten by reigning champions France in the semi-finalCredit: Getty
      And they were joined by a history making Moroccan side 24 hours later who lost their mouth-watering semi-final against France.
      England were comfortably beaten by Belgium in the 2018 third place play-off edition.
      But the 2022 World Cup final warm-up event is expected to be a tighter affair and SunSport has all the information needed.

      When is Croatia vs Morocco?

      The World Cup third place play-off between Croatia and Morocco is taking place on Saturday, December 17.
      It is expected to get underway from 3pm UK time
      Khalifa International Stadium in Doha is the allocated arena for this huge fixture and it can host approximately 45,000 spectators.
      Belgium beat England 2-0 in the 2018 third place play-off contest.

      Read more on World Cup
      What TV channel is Croatia vs Morocco on and can it be live streamed?

      Croatia’s encounter against Morocco will be shown LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 2:30pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action through the BBC iPlayer app or BBC Sport website.

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      Can the third place play-off match be watched for free?
      YES! The third place play-off encounter can be watched for FREE as long as you hold a valid TV license in the UK. More

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      France 2 Morocco 0: French set up mouth-watering World Cup final vs Argentina with Mbappe and Messi to go head-to-head

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      THE loss to France prevented England from taking their free pass into the final, or so many believed.But here was the proof that even had Gareth Southgate’s team got their just rewards on Saturday night, there are no guarantees they would have sauntered into the final at the expense of this wonderful Morocco team.
      France are one win away from defending their World Cup title after a semi-final win over MoroccoCredit: Getty
      France won 2-0 on the night to set up a final showdown against ArgentinaCredit: EPA
      It proved to be one game too many for brave MoroccoCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Kylian Mbappe will take on PSG pal Lionel Messi in Sunday’s finalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Because back here at the Al Bayt Stadium, France were tested to the absolute max by the the Atlas Lions, the story of the tournament.
      Against a partisan Moroccan crowd, France squeezed through but not without a whole lot of suffering and pain. Remarkably, the Africans had over 60 per cent possession.
      But now, Les Bleus can defend their title against Argentina. So, it is Mbappe v Messi.
      The two players signed to bring the European title to PSG which has not gone very well.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      But on Saturday, one of them will on be top of the world. And what a final it will be.
      Equally, this semi-final, despite the final scoreline, was absolutely fascinating.
      England might think about what might have been had Harry Kane not missed a penalty. Morocco will think the same had they not lost two of their defenders both before and during the game.
      Milan defender Theo Hernandez proved to be the unlikely hero with only his second goal for France but that is only half the story.
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      France needed just five minutes to break the deadlock in Wednesday’s semiCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Theo Hernandez netted with an acrobatic finishCredit: Getty

      Hernandez started the World Cup on the bench until his older brother Lucas, the first-choice left-back, ruptured his ACL in the opening 4-1 win over Australia.
      Then Randal Kolo Muani’s goal was the second quickest scored by a substitute in a World Cup knockout stage match 44 seconds.
      Yet despite having their backs against the wall and defending well, while getting a bit of luck, the French were still calm,
      They are without Paul Pogba, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante for the tournament and then lost Hernandez. But now, they look just as balanced and effective. Maybe, even more so.
      It actually already started to go badly for Morocco before kick-off. They had been nursing quite a few players with issues and while West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd was named in the starting XI, he aggravated a muscle injury in the warm-up.
      Morocco made life hard for Kylian Mbappe and CoCredit: Getty
      France were pushed to their limits in all areas of the pitchCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Another defender, former Wolves favourite Roman Saiss, was carrying a hamstring issue but he lasted just 21 minutes before being replaced.
      The atmosphere here was terrific also. It could have been in Casablanca, Fez, Tangier or Marrakesh such were the huge number of Moroccan fans inside the Al Bayt Stadium while there was only a small pocket of France fans.
      Yet it took Didier Deschamps’ side less than five minutes to burst Morocco’s bubble.

      Central defender Jawad El Yamiq chose the worst possible time to slip when attempting to cut out a clever, deep pass from Raphael Varane.
      When Antoine Griezmann gets this sort of space you are in trouble. He picked out Kylian Mbappe and after a failed first attempt, his second shot deflected off El Yamiq into the path of Milan left-back Hernandez.
      Randal Kolo Muani made a great impact off the bench as he nettedCredit: Getty
      Muani’s 79th minute strike took the wind from Morocco’s sailsCredit: EPA
      So yes, France were a bit lucky – there but there was nothing fortunate about the finish.
      With a lot of work to do and from a tight angle, Hernandez was at full stretch with the ball in a high position but he managed a clean strike on goal.
      Yet the bad luck continued for Morocco. Moments after Saiss was guilty of some poor defending to allow Olivier Giroud to belt a shot against the post, the defender was substituted .
      Morocco  played with all their hearts and inspired by their riotous fans, they still found spaces in the French defence and made life uncomfortable.
      Lloris, so impressive against England, flung himself to the left to keep out a decent long-range strike from Azzedine Ounahi.
      Morocco were cheered on fiercely by their loyal supportersCredit: PA
      The spoils belonged to France at the final whistle as they set up their Argentina showdownCredit: Getty
      The Spurs keeper also did well to get a vital touch onto the post to keep out what would have been a stunning overhead kick from El Yamiq which would have made amends for his mistake at the start of the game.
      Morocco enjoyed a good spell at the end of the first half and caused all sorts of problems at the start of the second.
      Half-time sub Yahya Attiat-Allah and Youssef En-Nesyri wasted good chances while Ibrahima Konate delivered some great defending when it mattered for France.
      But some of the defending had to be desperate as Morocco refused to give up and repeatedly went for the jugular, while remaining solid and tight at the back
      Olivier Giroud, who has worked so hard for France at this World Cup including breaking England’s hearts, was replaced by Marcus Thuram who should have done much better with a free header.
      Abderrazak Hamdallah danced his way through the French defence but delayed shooting and that was the key moment.
      Soon after, there was the final dagger in the heart for this thoroughly-entertaining team.
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      Mbappe danced through the box and his shot deflected into the path of Kolo Muani who had an easy chance with his first touch of the ball.
      So now, we are back to Mbappe v Messi. And looking at Messi’s form against Croatia, maybe we should be glad England are not in the final. More