West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd taken out of Morocco line-up moments before semi-final due to injury and replacement Achraf Dari is blamed for France’s opening goal as Atlas Lions’ World Cup dreams end
Nayef Aguerd was a late withdrawal from Morocco's line-up, and his replacement didn't cover himself in glory for France's opening goal in their 2-0 win.
West Ham centre-back Aguerd hasn't featured since the Round of 16 victory over Spain where he was withdrawn during the match.
The defender has been battling a hamstring issue, while he has also been suffering with illness.
But in a boost for the African nation, he was named in the line-up to face Les Bleus, only for him to be taken out the team just before kick-off.
And how Morocco fans will be wishing he was fit enough to start with Achraf Dari at fault for Hernandez's fifth minute strike.
Dari missed a vital interception to cut out a pass down the right flank, with the ball eventually falling to Hernandez, who from a few yards out tucked his half-volley into the net at the near post.
Speaking on marvelbet369.commentary, Pearce said: "I think it was Dari who stepped out of line... that wasn't a small margin, you've got to do better than that."
Before adding: "Pearce: "The worst possible start for Morocco.
Most read in football
"The goalkeeper has got to get to his feet and smother the shot."
Just moments before France's goal, Pearce had declared how Aguerd would be a huge miss for the Atlas Lions.
He remarked: "It'll be a massive blow for Morocco.
"I know he'll have had the mentality of desperately wanting to play but they should've done the checks."
It was the first goal that Morocco have conceded in Qatar from an opposition player.
Things went from bad to worse for Morocco when Romain Saiss was taken off injured within the opening 20 minutes.
Like Aguerd, Saiss had been a doubt to feature against France, but he declared himself as fit to play.
But he couldn't shake off his niggle, leading Pearce to slam Morocco for allowing him to start.
He stated: "I don't want to knock them but it's almost amateurish."
Morocco were nothing sort of sensational after going behind, and were unlucky not to go into the break on level terms.
They continued to press for an equaliser in the second half, but substitute Randal Kolo Muani tapped home in the 79th minute to end the contest.
France will now play Argentina in Sunday's final, while Morocco will face Croatia in Saturday's third place play-off.
talkSPORT World Cup 2022 Coverage
talkSPORT is bringing you wall-to-wall coverage of the 2022 World Cup.
We are broadcasting all 64 games in the tournament live, with over 600 hours of coverage across our network.
You can tune in to talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2 via our free online streaming service at marvelbet369.com.
talkSPORT is widely available across the UK via DAB digital radio and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
You can also download the talkSPORT app, or ask your smart speaker to play talkSPORT.