Watch: Morocco finally concede at World Cup 2022 as France score quickest semi-final goal in 64 years

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Theo Hernandez acrobatically fired Les Bleus in front against the Atlas Lions

Theo Hernandez France Morocco
(Image credit: Getty)

Morocco’s defence was finally breached at World Cup 2022 just five minutes into their semi-final clash with France.

The Atlas Lions’ remarkable run to the last four has been largely down to their defensive solidity; Naif Aguerd's own goal against Canada was the only time they shipped a goal in their first five games.

But Walid Regragui’s side conceded early against the defending champions when Theo Hernandez produced an acrobatic finish from close range.

A through ball from Raphael Varane found Antoine Griezmann, who picked out Kylian Mbappe.

The PSG star had two shots blocked, but the second deflected to the back post and bounced up high for Hernandez to leap into the air and smash a volley past Bono.

It was the perfect start for France, who haven’t lost a World Cup game after scoring the opening goal since 1982 – a run of 25 matches.

According to Opta, the goal clocked at 4 minutes 39 seconds was the earliest scored in a World Cup semi-final since 1958, when Vava netted inside two minutes for Brazil against France.

Argentina await the winner in Sunday’s World Cup final after their 3-0 semi-final win over Croatia on Tuesday.

Alasdair Mackenzie

Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio.