It was a dream start to the World Cup semis for the defending champions from France.
In the 5th minute, Théo Hernández found the back of the net when a deflected shot by Kylian Mbappé fell to the French defender.
The Hernández goal is the first against the North African team at World Cup 2022 that wasn’t an own goal — and the first time it has trailed in the tournament.
Fifteen minutes later, Moroccan captain, Romain Saïss, was substituted due to injury. Both sides are dealing with personnel issues. It was reported during the broadcast that French midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who has been a staple in the French starting 11 during the World Cup, is sick in bed.
Morocco got the last big chance of the half. In the 45th minute, Jawad El Yamiq attempted a bicycle kick off a corner that fell to him inside the 18-yard box. The shot beat France’s goaltender Hugo Lloris but connected with the post.
Can the Atlas Lions find a way back into the match in the second half? Even though they lead, France has failed to deliver a shutout in its last six matches.
