By Razeen Gutta
Kylian Mbappe shrugged off a missed penalty to score and assist as France beat Morocco 2-0 on Thursday and booked a Fifa World Cup semi-final spot.
In the first last eight clash, in front of over 63 000 at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Les Bleus were dominant in ending Africa’s tournament hopes.
Mbappe was the star, scoring yet another landmark goal. But the Real Madrid man’s night did begin with some frustration.
He was fouled by Noussair Mazraoui in the 25th minute and stepped up from the spot, only for Yassine Bounou to save a tame effort.
A VAR check for a foul on Achraf Hakimi in the build-up delayed the kick and the wait seemed to get to Mbappe’s head.
He answered in style on the hour, though. Desire Doue found him outside the box and Mbappe used Issa Diop as a screen before curling in a brilliant opener.
It was his 8th goal of the tournament, pulling him level with Lionel Messi in the golden boot race.
And he was not done. Six minutes later his lay-off sent Ousmane Dembele clear to slot home France’s second. Dembele, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, now has five goals at this World Cup.
Mbappe left the pitchvwith an ice pack on his right ankle after reaching 20 goals in 20 World Cup games — just one short of Messi’s record of 21.
France kept a third straight knockout clean sheet.
Morocco, missing injured Ismael Saibari, lacked bite but showed promise with talents like Ayyoub Bouaddi. As 2030 co-hosts, they will surely be back.
For Didier Deschamps, in his final tournament, France are just one win away from a third straight final. Either Spain or Belgium will face them in Tuesday’s first semi-final.
Pictured above: France
Source: @equipedefrance
