France would hope to be the first country to defend their FIFA World Cup in over 60 years when they face Argentina on Sunday in the final of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The defending champions faced Morocco on Wednesday. It was a tough battle for the Europeans, who, despite going into an early lead, had to deal with a very dangerous Moroccan side.

Before the game, the Moroccans had given a good account of themselves becoming the first African team to reach the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup when they beat Portugal in the quarterfinals by a single goal.

However, in signs of how the night will be, Morocco had to deal with an injury before kick-off as Nayef Aguerd was ruled out after an injury.

Less than 10 minutes into the game, France led with Theo Hernandez, who scrambled in the opener. However, Morocco didn’t relent and went toe-to-toe with the French side but couldn’t find an equalizer in the first half.

Kolo Muani came on in the 78th minute of the second half and scored almost immediately in the 79th minute of the game.

The result means that France will face Argentina in the final on Sunday after the Argentines got past Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday in the semifinal.

France manager Didier Deschamps noted there is one final step for the Blues to take in the competition.

“There’s emotion; there’s pride; there’s going to be a final step. We have been together with the players for a month; it’s never easy. There’s happiness so far.” Deschamps said.

It is also the end of the journey for Morocco, who are the first African side to make it to the semifinals, but they can still make one more history by beating Croatia in the third-place match.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has stated that Sunday’s game will be his final FIFA World Cup match, while Luka Modric is expected to play his final FIFA World Cup game in third place against Morocco.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu