AL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — Sprint races. Key entries. Timely interceptions. Calming passes.
Antoine Griezmann did it all for France on Wednesday, and now he’s going to his second World Cup final.
Griezmann had exceptional moments in both penalty areas, and everywhere on the pitch in between, really, to help France beat an impressive Morocco 2-0. in the semifinals at the Al Bayt Stadium.
It was a competitive showcase of a talented player who has reinvented himself at this year’s World Cup. And now he will try to deny Lionel Messi, his former teammate at Barcelona, a first World Cup title this Sunday.
Griezmann played as a winger at the 2014 World Cup, then was France’s main goalscoring threat in their 2018 title win. Now he is a versatile midfielder, creating chances for his teammates and eliminating opposing threats.
“Griezmannnkante”, Paul Pogba wrote admiringly on his Instagram account after the final whistle. Pogba and N’Golo Kante, a tireless specialist in recovering the ball, were the heart of the midfield of France’s last team to win a title and their absences in Qatar due to injury gave the 31-year-old Griezmann more responsibility. .
It was an older and wiser Griezmann who reflected after being voted man of the match on how this semi-final win felt differently than four years ago, when Belgium were beaten 1-0.
“Against Belgium, I cried,” Griezmann said. “I think I’m more focused now. I’m already focused on the final on Sunday. I try to keep my feet on the ground. I am more serene.”
His perfectly timed run past the Morocco defense brought the ball into the penalty area which led to the opening goal early on Wednesday. Theo Hernández was the eventual beneficiary in minute five.
When Morocco put France under heavy pressure in the second half, Griezmann responded with tackles, headers and blocks. It took all the boundless energy from him before victory was sealed by substitute Randal Kolo Muani’s instant impact, and instant goal, in the 79th.
“Remarkable,” French right-back Jules Koundé said of Griezmann. “He works hard, he plugs the holes, and then every time he touches the ball, he tries to light up the game.”
When it was over, Griezmann slowly raised both arms and walked across the pitch to embrace defender Ibrahima Konaté, who was also an immense barrier to Morocco’s persistent attacks.
Griezmann then went to console some of his opponents, looking for goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who also plays in the Spanish league.
Griezmann has become a perfect example of how France has evolved after 10 years under Didier Deschamps.
The team reached the World Cup quarterfinals in 2014 and then played in the 2016 European Championship final, losing to Portugal at home in Paris. The French followed that up with the World Cup title in 2018, and they will have a chance to win a third in their history on Sunday against Argentina at the Lusail Stadium.
The backbone of this team, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, center back Raphaël Varane, Griezmann and striker Olivier Giroud, has been a constant presence. Mbappé’s explosive speed and goals entered the mix in 2017 and have brought glory to the second half of the Deschamps era.
On Sunday, there may still be more to add to the already impressive list of accomplishments.
___
AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup Y https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
