Former Liverpool midfielder, Danny Murphy, has blamed Morocco’s poor defending as the architect of their 2-0 loss to France in the semi final of the 2022 World Cup.
Recall that France got off to a dream start after Theo Hernandez finished off an early attack after a scramble for the ball inside the Morocco box before Kolo Muani netted the second goal.
However, Murphy, who was providing live commentary for BBC’s coverage of the semi-final match, was very critical of Morocco’s defending in the goal.
“It’s a slip, isn’t it? From [Jawad] El Yamiq – it is naive defending and then they are scrambling all over the place,” Murphy said when commenting on the goal.
“It falls for Hernandez, who takes his time, and it is a good technique for the finish. Waiting for it to drop.
“Great start for France, disastrous start for Morocco. Poor defending was not it; very unlike them.
“Trying to get in front too early against the quality of France. The slip came from being too eager, too keen to try and get in front. No problem, just stay behind him, especially with someone like Griezmann. It is a good pass.
“Last thing they wanted to do, France will be happy to sit back now. It is very good from Hernandez.”
7 Comments
Morocco abandoned what worked for them earlier against all other top opposition that they met. It would have worked against France too… But they wanted to get in front early… all the same good run.
Nothing would have worked for Morocco, France playa type of game that is too difficult to break down. Their players are mentally strong physically rugged. They are beast.Besides they have the DNA of many countries in Africa combine with European DNAs.
These are Africans exposed to modern facilities and coach by an intelligent man.
Besides the last world cup final between France and Croatia was one sided which fifa didn’t want to repeat itself again. No way would Fifa have allowed Morocco to get to final and them to be spinnedby Argentina just like they didn’t want Croatia to get to Final again to be taught by France once again.
NICE one @RESPECT IS RECIPROCAL…
NOTHING would have WORKED for THEM..
FRANCE is really GOOD, COMPLETE and EXPERIENCED in all DEPARTMENTS..
They can really BEAT you at your own GAME…
I mean WE all SAW their SOLID DEFENDING in the SECOND HALF…
They are not the DEFENDING CHAMPION for NOTHING…
NICE GAME PLAN..
They came out, SCORED so early in the FIRST HALF, BOSSED the GAME till the END of the FIRST HALF…
Then by SECOND HALF, everybody DEFENDED even GRIEZMAN…
And then before the FINAL WHISTLE, a SECOND GOAL and that was the END…
When counter attack meets counter attack what happens? If they hadn’t conceeded as early as the 5th minute that game would’ve ended differently,the French do not press high rather they sit in a midblock and wait for their opponents to come at them and when the ball is turned over,they used the combined speed of mbappe and dembele to devastating effect on the counter. Morocco are equally as quick on the counter but by conceeding early meant that they have to play differently which is keep the ball and they’re not as good possession wise,they tried to go long but the tall French CBs kept winning the aerial duels,they tried the wings but France tendency to drop in compact shape meant there was no space on the wings and kudos to coach Deschamps tactical intelligence for drafting in konate at CB and fofana at midfield both players defensive abilities made life even more difficult for Morocco. The north African nation should be proud of their achievement,years of proper investment, diligence and hardwork in ensuring that program they setup football wise is paying off something we(Nigerians) have yearned for but our nff have always contrived to let us down repeatedly. NFF this is a lesson for you if una like learn if una no like na una Sabi.
“French (Nigeria) do not press high rather they sit in a midblock and wait for their opponents to come at them and when the ball is turned over,they used the combined speed of mbappe (Moses Simon) and dembele (Ahmed Musa or Victor Moses) to devastating effect on the counter.
Reminds one of the heydays of Gernot Rohr’s reign…..
MY BROTHER @DEO you want to make me CRY now..
Those where really the GOOD GLORY days of GENERAL ROAH and our FOOTBALL before people like the first one who COMMENTED there caused his SACK…
It’s the French way(brought varying degrees of success) and Nigeria was unto something (when Gernot was around) until disaster struck in the form of the usual you-know-who.