The dream run of Morocco, who won millions of hearts with their giant-killing performances over the past few weeks, came to a battling end Wednesday as they were beaten 2-0 by France in an absorbing second semi-final of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
France will now face Argentina in what promises to be a blockbuster final on Sunday, featuring arguably the two biggest stars of the tournament - Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
The French are attempting to become the first team to retain the title since Brazil 60 years ago, while Argentina will look to become world champions for the first time since 1986.
There were early fireworks in Wednesday's match at Al Bayt Stadium as France full-back Theo Hernandez's hooked volley in just the fifth minute gave the defending world champions a 1-0 lead over Morocco.
France's all-time top scorer Olivier Giroud went close to adding another when he thundered a shot against the post in the 17th minute.
Morocco, bidding to become the first team outside Europe and South America to reach the final, suffered two injury blows with centre-back Nayef Aguerd pulling out during the warm-up and captain Romain Saiss forced off in the 21st minute.
The Atlas Lions recovered to cause no end of problems, with Hugo Lloris brilliantly saving Jawad El Yamiq's overhead kick at the end of the first half and pouring forward for much of the second.
However, they could not quite fashion a clear enough chance for the equaliser and were unable to extend the astonishing run that included victories over Belgium, Spain and Portugal.
France settled it in the 79th minute when a brilliant dribble by Kylian Mbappe set up Randal Kolo Muani to tuck in the decisive goal with his first touch less than a minute after coming on.
France will be hugely relieved to become the first defending champions to reach successive finals since Brazil in 2002 and can now look forward to Sunday's showdown when they will bid to follow Brazil (1962) and Italy (1938) as the third team to retain the title.
France’s victory set up the tantalising prospect of a decisive clash between Argentina maestro Messi, at the end of his international career, and France’s Mbappe, emerging as the next superstar of the world game.
Morocco’s exit was tempered by their achievement of becoming the first African and Arab country to reach the World Cup semi-final, a feat widely celebrated. They can expect to be hailed as heroes when they return home after Saturday's third-place playoff against Croatia.