20221213 Didier DeschampsGetty Images

'It's never easy' - France boss Deschamps targeting back-to-back World Cup triumphs after coming through Morocco semi-final test

  • Holders France reach final
  • Beat Morocco 2-0 in last four
  • Deschamps mindful of challenge

WHAT HAPPENED? Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani ensured defending champions France booked a date with Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final, seeing off Morocco in a 2-0 semi-final victory. Head coach Didier Deschamps spoke after the match and revealed his emotions as the tournament reaches its climax.

WHAT HE SAID: Speaking to reporters after the win, Deschamps explained: "There is emotion, pride. It was still a significant step. There will be one last. We've been together with the players for a month, it's never easy, but it's been a joy so far."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Victory against the Atlas Lions means France have become the first side since Brazil in 2002 to reach back-to-back World Cup finals. Morocco put up a valiant effort, though, and drop into the third-place playoff following an exceptional tournament. Deschamps now also has the chance to become the only person in World Cup history to lift the trophy as a player once, and crucially as a manager twice.

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IN THREE PHOTOS:

Theo Hernandez France 2022Getty ImagesRandal Kolo Muani FranceGetty ImagesDidier Deschamps France MoroccoGetty

WHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE? The one thing stood between Les Bleus and back-to-back World Cup crowns is Lionel Scaloni's Argentina, who decimated Croatia in their semi-final and are powered by Lionel Messi, who is in search of his first World Cup in what is his final tournament.

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