Morocco forced to make last-minute change against France after West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd is injured in warm-up
MOROCCO were forced into a last-minute change in their team to play France in the historic World Cup semi-final.
West Ham centre-back Nayef Aguerd was due to start but had to be withdrawn with moments until kick off due to an injury.
Aguerd suffered an injury during the warm-up and had to be replaced by Achraf Dari.
The defender was brought off in tears during Morocco's shock last-16 win against Spain following a groin problem.
Aguerd subsequently missed the quarter-final against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.
He watched on as Youssef En-Nesyri's headed effort won the game.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
It meant Morocco became the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final.
Although the match against reigning champions France got off to a horror start.
Not only did Aguerd pull out before kick off, Morocco were behind after just five minutes.
Left-back Theo Hernandez opened the scoring after a scramble in the penalty box.
Most read in Football
BETTING SPECIAL - BEST BETTING APPS FOR THE WORLD CUP
After 20 minutes, Morocco were hit with another injury setback as captain Romain Saiss made way.
The former Wolves centre-half carried a thigh injury into the game and limped off.
He was replaced by midfielder Selim Amallah, meaning Morocco had to change shape from a back five to 4-3-3.
Despite creating a couple of openings, they struggled to lay a glove on the French as the defending champions controlled the game.
And when sub Randal Kolo Muani tapped in from Mbappe's scuffed shot, Morocco's fate was sealed as France set up a final showdown with Argentina with a 2-0 win.
