Morocco suffered a 2-0 defeat as their World Cup journey finally came to an end as world champions France made it through to the final to face Argentina. A sea of Moroccan red flooded the stands at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor but they couldn’t push their side on to victory after goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani secured a 2-0 victory for France. Morocco certainly caused a threat through Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech down the right flank but lacked a cutting edge in the final third to get past Didier Deschamps’ defense. So, here’s our Morocco player ratings for their World Cup semi-final exit against France.
Morocco (5-4-1):
Yassine Bounou – 6
Didn’t really have to make a save and couldn’t do much to keep the goals out.
Achraf Hakimi – 7.5
Just about did enough to put off Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe after the pacey forward had got in behind the defense in the first half. Caused some issues down the right flank and was a threat. Fantastic battle up against Mbappe throughout too.
Jawad El Yamiq – 7
Got caught by some tricky movement by Antoine Griezmann for the first goal. Almost equalised for his side with an acrobatic overhead kick in the box following a corner but was kept out by the woodwork.
Achraf Dari – 6
Was a caught a little by the speed of the French attack, especially in the second half.
Romain Saiss – N/A
Headed into the game an injury doubt and only last 20 minutes before being taken off. Made an error that allowed Olivier Giroud to get in behind and get a good attempt on goal but he was saved by the woodwork.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
Wasn’t afraid to join the attack at points but was more reserved today, especially since he has been nursing an injury of late. Subbed off at the break.
Hakim Ziyech – 6.5
Caused issues for France down the right flank, linking up well with Hakimi as he has all tournament. End product could have been better.
Azzedine Ounahi – 7.5
Looked sharp inside the first ten and even troubled Hugo Lloris with an audacious effort from range that forced the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper into a fine stop. Also played some strong progressive passes to push Morocco forward and linked up superbly with Ziyech and Hakimi down the right-hand side.
Sofyan Amrabat – 7
Looked solid in possession and played his usual role at patrolling in front of the defense. Made a fantastic sliding challenge on Mbappe at the beginning of the first half. Played some nice passes too but performance took a dip towards the tail end of the game.
Sofiane Boufal – 7
Was tidy in the opening phases and looked tricky but was booked midway through the first half. Set up a dangerous chance in the second half down the left flank and was fluid with his movement across the front three, moving over to the right at times too.
Youssef En Nesyri – 4
Struggled to get involved in the match with hardly any touches before he was benched midway through the second half.
Substitutions
Selim Amallah – 6.5
Added a bit of bite to the midfield as Walid Regragui changed from a five-man to four-man defense after the injury to Romain Saiss.
Yahia Attiyat Allah – 6.5
Caused issues down the left-hand side at times when he came on.