World Cup 2022: key takeaways from the semi-finals

Morocco's defensive lock is picked

Against France, Morocco conceded more goals (2) than in all of their five previous matches put together (just one, an own goal against Canada in the 3rd game of the group stage). The blame lies with a Bleus side as sharp as ever and devilishly clinical in the box, typified by Randal Kolo Muani, who scored the second goal just 44 seconds after coming on (79th minute). But the blame lies above all with a Morocco side weakened by fatigue and injuries (Romain Saïss, Nayef Aguerd…).

It must also be said that the bold tactical switch by Walid Regragui to 5 defenders instead of his usual back 4 did not help. The Atlas Lions looked unsettled in the new system and were quickly punished by the reigning world champions, who could not have asked for more. Théo Hernandez took advantage of a moment of hesitation from El-Yamiq and co to break the Moroccan defence (5th minute, 1-0). A little bitter at the end of the match, Walid Regragui sighed: "If I have any regrets, it's about conceding that goal so early, it gave the France team confidence."

France heading for back-to-back titles

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France set up to contain Morocco and it paid off. Against the Atlas Lions, Les Bleus spent much of the match defending. And despite a few scares, Hugo Lloris and his team-mates never cracked. But they had to make that concession and also be ruthless to reach another World Cup final, as they did four years ago. The reigning world champions will go for back-to-back titles against Lionel Messi's Argentina next Sunday at 15:00 (GMT).

Emmanuel Macron: "Things come in threes"

Al Bayt Stadium welcomed a distinguished guest, French president Emmanuel Macron. Having come to support his team in their win over Morocco (2-0), the French head of state, like the players, appeared in the mixed zone to reflect on the performance of Didier Deschamps' men. " This France team has made me very proud," he told L'Équipe. "The Moroccans played incredibly well and I think the match would have been different if they had equalised. We showed a lot of heart, and at times we suffered. But let's not be stingy with our enjoyment. Let us, as French people, take simple pleasures and be proud. Let's be happy." Asked for his prediction for the final against Argentina, Emmanuel Macro simply offered a well-known saying: " Things come in threes."

Messi's masterclass

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Having stumbled at the start of this World Cup with a defeat by Saudi Arabia (2-1, 1st match of the group stage), Argentina quickly recovered and have won every game since. But their latest win, on Tuesday 13 December, against Croatia (3-0) in the semi-final, was probably the most convincing of all. The Albiceleste showed their best side so far. And at the end of it, they earned the right to play in a World Cup final, something they had not tasted since 2014 (a 1-0 defeat by Germany after extra time). A cocktail of joy with one name: Messi.

In the form of his youth, the Argentine genius tormented Luka Modric's side. Scorer of a goal (penalty), his fifth of the competition, and provider of an assist after making a fool of defender Josko Gvardiol, the PSG forward weighed in heavily in this semi-final. Next Sunday he will meet his club team-mate Kylian Mbappé, who has also scored five goals for France. Probably the two best players of the tournament, the two top scorers and top providers of the tournament: all the ingredients are there for a fine duel between the two men, perhaps for the next Ballon d'Or, as the curtain comes down on the Qatar World Cup.

World Cup 2022: full schedule and results