France 2-0 Morocco: Atlas Lions roar but Mbappe vs Messi final set up

Kylian Mbappe vs Lionel Messi it is, then, after Didier Deschamps’ France saw off a spirited Morocco to reach the World Cup final.

The Atlas Lions were all roar but no bite as they failed to find the net despite creating good openings.

They have had a wonderful tournament, seeing off Spain and Portugal, as well as Belgium in the group, and the first goal an opposition player scored against them happened in this clash at Al Bayt.

Theo Hernandez blasted home from close range with a shot bouncing into the ground after Mbappe’s effort was deflected into his path.

After that Morocco had the better of the match, but they just couldn’t find a way through.

Jawad El Yamiq came closest with a spectacular overhead kick which hit the post, and perhaps Hugo Lloris's hand too.

Theo was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty in a collision with Sofiane Boufal, who was harshly penalised instead.

Konate impressed in particular at the back while Griezmann and Mbappe caused problems at the other end.

The first ever African semi-finalists Morocco upped the pressure in the second half and dominated the ball but France held on, looking for Mbappe as an outlet on the break.

Eventually substitute Kolo Muani put the game to bed for France after more fine work by Mbappe.

They and Argentina will both be looking for their third World Cup trophy on Sunday at Lusail.