Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has revealed that he pleaded with France striker Olivier Giroud to stop marking him during their semi-final defeat to Les Bleus on Wednesday.

The Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup second semi-final match ended 2-0 in favour of the title holders, making Didier Deschamps’ side the only second nation to have made the final back-to-back and first in the last 60 years.

Theo Hernandez and substitute Randal Kolo Muani scored in each of the halves to help France book their passage to Sunday’s showpiece.

Amrabat was somewhat surprised by France’s approach in the match, with even Giroud tasked with man-marking the Fiorentina midfielder.

Olivier Giroud

“They left our centre-backs alone. Their striker, Olivier Giroud, was following me everywhere all over the midfield!” He told NOS.

Sofyan Amrabat

“I said to him, ‘Just stop!’ but he replied that he was instructed to follow me for the whole game.”