Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate’s monstrous performance in the defense line guides France to their second consecutive World Cup final in a row.
France marched on to the Qatar World Cup final
France beats Morocco 2-0 in the semi-final stage to find themselves in the final of the 2022 World Cup against Argentina.
From being a third-choice center back to France’s defensive wall, Konate is having a memorable World Cup so far. With Upamecano at the sideline due to his illness on Wednesday night, the 23-year-old was given a chance to showcase his class in Semi Final stage. He partnered with former Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.
The European side was believed to have a tough test against the African side. As Morocco was responsible for knocking out World Cup favorites Spain and Portugal in the round of 16 and Quater finals respectively. But this time they were stopped by the French defense.
The French Wall
The Merseyside center-back was placed at the left side rather than his usual position in Liverpool. Konate used his quality, pace, and strength to dominate the opposition. So far, Ibrahima has averaged 6.9 tackles & interceptions per 90 minutes in World Cup. That is the most by any player who started three or more games. Netherland’s Teun Koopmeiners was the closest at 6.1.
France had a comfortable victory over Morocco. They became the first defending Champions to reach finals since Brazil in 2002. Full-back Hernandez scored a goal in the fifth minute from close range. The African semi-finalist dominated the position in the match but the substitute Randal Kolo Muani sealed the game for the Frenchmen in the 79th minute.
Argentina vs France: The Battle for the glory
France will face Argentine on Sunday for the prestigious golden cup. This going to be Leo Messi’s last World Cup. The South American and the European giants will meet for the fourth time in a World Cup clash. LA Albiceleste have won two out of the previous three encounters. On the other hand, Les Bleus are unbeaten in their last 10 World Cup matches.
We will have to wait and see until this Sunday to find out if it’s Messi’s fairy tale ending or French domination in the world of football.
