Snip-snap-snout, then the adventure was over for Morocco, which has been the big surprise of the WC finals. France struggled at times against Morocco, but still won 2-0 after goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani. Morocco is the first Arab and African national football team to have ever qualified for a World Cup semi-final, but against the big favorites France, they called it quits. Thus, it is Kylian Mbappé and the French star gallery that will face Argentina in the World Cup final broadcast by news on Sunday 16.00. Drillo: – A very surprised Egil “Drillo” Olsen, who commented on the match on radio for news Sport, was however not significantly impressed by the reigning world champion. Few know more about defensive play than Drillo. And his grade book on the French defensive game is hardly something to take home to mother. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB The former Norwegian national team manager describes large parts of the second half as “one-way traffic” towards the French goal and is very surprised by the way France defends itself. – From what I see of France’s defensive game, I am very surprised. This is so bad. Neither structure nor pressure on the ball handler. It is a bad combination, is the verdict from Drillo. – France deservedly go to the final, but they have not impressed me. They have exposed major weaknesses defensively. I dare to keep Argentina as the narrow favorite in the final, says Drillo. – Very surprising When asked if he is surprised by what he saw of the French team, he answers bluntly “yes”. – That Morocco should be involved so much, and have the ball so much, was very surprising to me, says Drillo. Former England player Danny Murphy also believes Morocco was poorly paid in the semi-finals. – Morocco’s players will be frustrated, because they have been involved in this game for long periods, says Murphy on the BBC. And adds: – They can be proud of themselves. It has been a really brave performance, he says. Which nation will win the World Cup final? Argentina France Show result Can repeat World Cup feat For Morocco, who had the round of 16 from 1986 as their best ever World Cup result, the World Cup ends with a historic bronze final against Croatia on Saturday. France will thus have the opportunity to defend the World Cup gold from 2018. If they succeed, they will be the first nation since Brazil (1958 and 1962) to win two straight World Cups, a feat that has only happened twice since the World Cup started in 1930. Italy did the same in 1934 and 1938. Drillo believes that Mbappé and his team-mates must go up several notches in the final if they are to win. – It sounds a bit strange, but I’m a bit disappointed with what they are performing. It has something to do with Morocco. But we were aware before the game that France is better going forward than going backwards. They were very suspicious defensively and conceded a surprising amount to Morocco. They have poor structure in their defensive game and lost one-on-one duels time and time again, Drillo analyzes to news. Roses Morocco Where the former national team manager is disappointed by France, he is more pleasantly surprised by Morocco. – Very impressed. They were better than I had thought, and they were very welcome. They had two big chances in the first half. In the first quarter of the second half, it was almost a one-way affair. They ran over France quite strongly and created many near-chances. They have a fair chance of taking the bronze medal in this championship, he says. Morocco is out of the World Cup. It took a heavy toll on the players. Photo: KAI PFAFFENBACH / Reuters The match itself started like a dream for the French favourites. After just five minutes, they took the lead when Theo Hernandez put in 1-0 from close range after a scramble in the Morocco box. It was actually the first late goal scored by an opponent Morocco conceded in the World Cup, and the second late goal overall. The previous one came as an own goal against Canada in the group stage, and the defensive security has been much of the reason why Morocco has come this far. Close to brass scoring France had good control over the Moroccans in the first half, but on the eve of the half it could have been equalized when Jawad El Yamiq tried with an ever so small brass kick. He hit well, but the ball hit the post and the fingertips of Hugo Lloris and went wide. – There shouldn’t have been a chance, but miraculously he gets a bass. Fantastic performance, thought “Drillo”. Jawad El Yamiq tried his hand at this acrobatic maneuver. Photo: Thanassis Stavrakis / AP 1-0 thus stood at the break. According to statistics agency Opta, France have never lost a World Cup match they have led at half-time, which indicated the kind of job Morocco faced. – Then you can call me a stool The second half started with a bang – for France’s superstar Kylian Mbappé. He dragged himself past a couple of opponents before being met by a hard tackle from Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat. Referee César Ramos waved the game on, and Mbappé had to be treated on the grass afterwards. – If it’s not a free kick, you can call me a stool, said a frustrated Drillo on news’s radio broadcast. Ten minutes from time, France extended their lead when substitute Randal Kolo Muani scored with his first touch. Thus, it is “Les Bleus” who can cheer for a ticket to the World Cup final. It is played on Sunday at 16.00 and is broadcast on NRK1. The bronze final will be played on Saturday 16.00 and will also be broadcast on NRK1. Psst: Did you bring this with you?
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France lowered the World Cup ashtray – but Drillo marvels at what he saw – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
