French President Emmanuel Macron was among those present at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday as Les Bleus defeated Morocco to book their spot in the World Cup 2022 final.
Sitting among a number of other dignitaries, Macron watched as France overcame a spirited challenge from Atlas Lions to prevail 2-0 in their semi-final.
Didier Deschamps's team ended Morocco's dream run through goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani, and set up a title showdown on Sunday with Lionel Messi's Argentina.
France got off to the perfect start as Hernandez scored inside five minutes. Morocco, the first African or Arab team ever to reach the last four at a World Cup, dug deep despite injury problems only to concede a late second as substitute Kolo Muani scored moments after coming on.
"There is lots of emotion and lots of pride in the dressing room," said coach Deschamps, whose side were congratulated at the stadium by President Emanuel Macron.
"It was an important step but there is still a last one to go."
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Morocco's Abde Ezzalzouli looks downcast after France celebrate their second goal in the 2-0 World Cup semi-final win at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, on December 14, 2022. EPA -
Morocco's Romain Saiss consoles Achraf Hakimi at the end of the match. AP -
Morocco players kneel on the pitch at the end of the match. AP -
France's Kylian Mbappe hugs Morocco's Achraf Hakimi. AP -
Morocco coach Walid Regragui acknowledges the fans after the match. Reuters -
France forward Randal Kolo Muani celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal. AFP -
France substitute Randal Kolo Muani celebrates after scoring the second goal against Morocco. Getty -
Randal Kolo Muani celebrates scoring. AP -
Randal Kolo Muani scores the second goal for France. Getty -
France's Theo Hernandez (R) celebrates scoring the first goal with Olivier Giroud. EPA -
Theo Hernandez scores the opening goal past Yassine Bounou of Morocco. Getty -
Theo Hernandez celebrates after scoring the first goal for France. Getty -
Theo Hernandez celebrates after scoring. Getty -
Morocco's Jawad El Yamiq goes close with an overhead kick. AFP -
Kylian Mbappe is frustrated. Getty -
Kylian Mbappe after a missed chance. Getty -
Morocco's Romain Saiss is substituted by Selim Amallah during the first half. AP -
Kylian Mbappe is challenged by Yassine Bounou and Achraf Dari. Getty -
France's Olivier Giroud in action. AP -
Aurelien Tchouameni of France reacts after a challenge with Sofyan Amrabat. Getty -
Antoine Griezmann during the semi-final. Getty -
Ibrahima Konateof France in action against Achraf Hakimi of Morocco. EPA -
France's Ousmane Dembele and Morocco's Yahia Attiyat Allah challenge for the ball. AP
