Kylian Mbappe ran to apologise to a French fan in the stands after the 23-year-old’s shot hit him in the face ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 semi-final against Morocco on Thursday. The two sides locked horns at the Al Bayt stadium. The winner will play Argentina in the final on Sunday.
Mbappe, who is strong contender for this year’s golden boot, hit a shot that hit a fan in the face. While people around the spectator got him water, the French forward rushed to apologise.
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France became the first opposing team to score against Morocco at Qatar 2022. The defending champions got one up on the board in the first five minutes of the game. Theo Hernandez converted a ricocheted Mbappe shot, a bouncing ball, as keeper Yassine Bounou stood stunned.
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French President Emmanuel Macron was present in the stands for the match. Thousands of Moroccan fans cheered for the team – commentators said they were close to 50,000.
Morocco made a late change to its starting lineup. Achraf Dari started in defense instead of Nayet Aguerd. For France, Ibrahima Konaté replaced Dayot Upamecano at center back and Youssouf Fofana came into midfield in place of Adrien Rabiot.
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France (4-2-3-1) Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Konate, T Hernandez; Tchouameni, Fofana; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud.Substitutes: Pavard, Disasi, Guendouzi, Kolo Muani, Veretout, Mandanda, Saliba, Upamecano, Coman, Areola, Camavinga, Thuram.
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Morocco (5-2-3) Bono; Hakimi, El Yamiq, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui; Amrabat, Ounahi; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal.Substitutes: Hamdallah, Zaroury, Sabiri, El Kajoui, Chair, Aboukhlal, Amallah, Ezzalzouli, Dari, Tagnaouti, El Khannouss, Benoun, Attiat-Allah, Jabrane.
Referee Cesar Arturo Ramos Palazuelos (Mexico)
