Kylian Mbappe recovered from a missed penalty to inspire France to a commanding 2 0 victory over Morocco and secure a place in the World Cup semi finals.
The Real Madrid forward had an opportunity to put France ahead during the opening half after Noussair Mazraoui brought him down inside the area. However, Yassine Bounou comfortably stopped Mbappe’s weak effort following a lengthy VAR review.
Mbappe responded in style after the interval. In the 60th minute, the French captain produced a brilliant curling finish from just inside the box to break Morocco’s resistance. Six minutes later, Ousmane Dembele doubled the advantage with a low drive that Bounou could not keep out.
The strike was Mbappe’s eighth goal of the tournament, drawing him level with Lionel Messi. However, the French star currently leads the Golden Boot race due to his superior assist tally.
Their individual battle also extends to the World Cup’s historic scoring record. Mbappe, aged 27, has now scored 20 goals at the tournament and sits just one behind Messi’s record total of 21.
France controlled the quarter final from the early stages. Mbappe tested Bounou from distance, while Dayot Upamecano, Dembele and Adrien Rabiot all threatened the Moroccan defence. Desire Doue also forced a save before Lucas Digne struck the crossbar with a powerful long range attempt.
Morocco struggled to create meaningful opportunities against Didier Deschamps’ disciplined side. Ranked seventh in the world, they registered only five attempts and managed their first shot on target in the 83rd minute.
Mbappe caused brief concern when he was substituted in the 77th minute and later appeared with ice on his right ankle. However, his energetic celebrations after the final whistle suggested the issue was not serious.
France have now recorded six consecutive victories at the tournament and scored 16 goals in six matches, the highest team total in the competition.
World champions in 1998 and 2018, France continue to justify their status as leading contenders. After another controlled and convincing performance, they will face Spain or Belgium in the semi final in Dallas on Tuesday.
