Croatia showed their class once more by clinching their third top-three finish at the World Cup with a play-off victory over history-makers Morocco. In a frantic opening, Josko Gvardiol gave Croatia the lead with a superb diving header but Achraf Dari levelled just two minutes later before Mislav Orsic curled in a sumptuous second for Croatia.
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France were pushed all the way by World Cup wild cards Morocco before the holders sealed a place in Sunday’s final against Argentina. Theo Hernández gave the defending champions the lead after just five minutes but the Atlas Lions regrouped and tested Les Bleus before substitute Randal Kolo Muani put the result beyond doubt.
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A dazzling performance from Lionel Messi led Argentina to their sixth World Cup final with a 3-0 victory over Croatia at Lusail Stadium. Messi now gets one last chance to win the piece of silverware that has eluded him in his trophy-laden career, but 22-year-old striker Julian Alvarez also shone as Argentina ensured they will return on Sunday to face either France or Morocco.
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France have booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals courtesy of a Olivier Giroud header however things could have been different for Les Bleus as England captain Harry Kane missed a penalty that would have forced extra time. Defending champions France will face Morocco on Wednesday night.
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Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final and ended the hopes of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. Striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning goal in the first half, leaping highest to beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball and heading in to spark pandemonium at Al Thumama Stadium.
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