Théo Hernandez put France through to the final with his opening goal in the Qatar 2022 semi-final against Morocco.
Morocco conceded only one goal on their way to the semi-finals at the World Cup in Qatar. In a 2–1 group stage win against Canada, Nayef Aguerde put the North Americans behind with an own goal. Against France, the great Moroccan goalkeeper Bono was beaten by an opposition player for the first time.
Hernandez makes a dream start
Theo Hernandez put “Les Bleus” ahead 1–0 in the 5th minute and put the defending champions on course to a second consecutive World Cup final. It was also the fastest goal in a World Cup semi-final since 1958, when Brazil’s Vava scored against France after just two minutes.
For Hernandez, the second goal for the national team was a worthy reward for a strong performance in the final in Qatar. The AC Milan man has worked tirelessly down the left flank in 5 of 6 games, setting up one goal each for Adrien Rabiot and Kylian Mbappe. Hernandez has now been involved in eight goals in 12 international appearances.
worthy replacement for an injured brother
The fact that the 25-year-old got a chance to shine at the World Cup was not least thanks to his elder brother. Lucas Hernandez, who is under contract with Bayern Munich, tore his cruciate ligament just minutes into the opening game against Australia and was replaced by Theo. He seized his chance – despite the circumstances, which certainly weren’t easy given his brother’s serious injury.
After the victory against Morocco, Theo naturally also thought of Lucas: “My brother called me right after the game. I sincerely hope he will be here for the final.” But he’ll definitely get tips from old Hernandez. Four years ago, Lucas became world champion in Russia with France as a regular player. Theo will now do everything to take his place in the final against Argentina.
