There are always French defenders who become heroes in the semis World Cup. Theo Hernandez continues the tradition.
France managed to qualify 2022 World Cup Finals after defeating Morocco 2-0 in the semi-final at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor on Thursday (15/12/2022) early morning WIB.
The first goal was scored by Theo Hernandez in the fifth minute, added by Randal Kolo Muani in the 78th minute. France will meet Argentina in the main party this weekend.
Hernandez scored the fastest goal in a World Cup semi-final since 1958, in the fourth minute and 39 seconds. Not only for the fastest goal in the semifinals, Hernandez continued the sweet record of the French defenders in that round.
Before Theo, two French defenders also scored goals in the semi-finals and helped take their country to the World Cup final.
Four years ago in Russia, Samuel Umtiti’s goal saw France beat Belgium 1-0. Previously, 24 years ago at the 1998 World Cup, Lilian Thuram’s brace beat Croatia 2-1.
Thuram’s pair of goals was the first and last of his 142 caps for France. At that time Thuram also strengthened the Italian club, Parma, just like Hernandez, who now wears the Milan shirt.
“I can’t compare myself to Thuram, he’s an amazing player. I’m different, but I’m still proud,” he said Teo Hernandez on the official FIFA website.
When tracked aside from the semi-finals, French defenders have also often assisted with goals in the round of 16. Laurent Blacán against Paraguay in the round of 16 of the 1998 World Cup.
Raphael Varane against Uruguay in the quarter-finals four years ago, and of course Benjamin Pavard’s best goal for the 2018 World Cup against Argentina in the round of 16.
(mrp/runs)
