Morocco had based their options to win the World Cup on their defensive prowess, but that was not enough to keep their goal unbeaten one more time against France.
The Atlas Lions were not able to keep their unbeaten run going in the competition after a well-placed strike by Theo Hernández, who apparently caught the African team napping before he scored for Les Bleus.
Hernández was able to put to good use a loose ball inside Morocco's box to give France the lead before the first five minutes of the game, changing the entire landscape of the match, as Morocco were not able to implement their tough defense for most of the game, a plan that worked like a charm for them against Spain and Portugal.
Hernández's goal before the first five minutes also earned a spot for the Frenchman in the tournament's all-time records.
Theo Hernández #FRA scores the quickest goal (5') in a #FIFAWorldCup Semifinal since Vavá #BRA in 1958 vs France (2').#MAR Morocco has never won a WC match in which it conceded first (0-8-1 W-L-D). pic.twitter.com/J5wm4yHzKt
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 14, 2022
This also meant bad news for Morocco's ironclad defense.
Theo Hernandez is the first opposition player to score a goal against Morocco at the 2022 World Cup.
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 14, 2022
Morocco's stubborn defence has been breached. pic.twitter.com/2zPHEZrFq5
Here is Theo's opening goal for France (Image might be geo-restricted).
An absolute dream start for France pic.twitter.com/utpt5ysaTn
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 14, 2022