Qatar 2022 World Cup: Theo Hernandez's Early Goal Dashes African Team's Dream of Reaching the Final

The French national team advanced to the final of the 2022 Qatar World Cup after defeating the Moroccan national team in the semi-finals. In their last six encounters, the Atlas Lions – the nickname for the Moroccan national team – have never beaten *Les Bleus*.

The semi-final match between France and Morocco, held at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar, on Thursday, December 15, 2022 (early WIB), ended with a 2-0 victory for Les Bleus.

Theo Hernandez's (France) early goal against Morocco, guarded by Yassine Bounou, in the 5th minute dashed the African team's dreams of reaching the World Cup final. According to Opta data, Hernandez's acrobatic goal was the fastest in a semi-final since 1958.

Furthermore, Hernandez's stunning goal was the first time the Atlas Lions' goal had been breached in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Previously, goalkeeper Bounou had only conceded once, and that was due to Nayef Aguerd's own goal against Canada in the Group F stage. Fortunately, in that match, the Atlas Lions managed to beat Canada 2-1.

With this victory, the defending champions, Les Bleus, will challenge Argentina, who had previously qualified for the final after defeating Croatia 3-0.

This is France's fourth final appearance since 1998. They won two, claiming the World Cup trophy in 1998 and 2018. They lost once, finishing as runners-up in 2006.

Here are the results of the last 6 matches between France and Morocco:

1. 2022, France 2-0 Morocco (World Cup)
2. 2007, France 2-2 Morocco (Friendly)
3. 2000, France 5-1 Morocco (Friendly)
4. 1999, France 1-0 Morocco (Friendly)
5. 1998, France 2-2 Morocco (Friendly)
6. 1988, France 2-1 Morocco (Friendly)