Kylian Mbappé scored a stunning opener after missing a penalty as France defeated Morocco 2-0 to secure their place in the World Cup semi-finals. The French side's relentless pressing and attacking depth proved too much for Morocco, who defended valiantly but ultimately could not contain the reigning champions.
Mbappé's brilliance shines through
Mbappé, once again the key figure for France, missed a penalty in the first half but redeemed himself with a mesmerising goal on the hour mark. Receiving the ball from Lucas Digne, he used Issa Diop as a shield to curl a shot at 98kph past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, a strike described as unsaveable. He later teed up Ousmane Dembélé for the second goal, sealing the win.
France's performance was marked by dominance, with 13 chances in the first half compared to Morocco's one. Despite Bounou's heroics—saving Mbappé's penalty and denying Dayot Upamecano and Desiré Doué—France's quality eventually prevailed.
Morocco's defensive resilience broken
Morocco, who had shocked many by reaching the semi-finals, were forced to retreat and endure. Their only real chance came from a free kick in first-half injury time that went wide. Coach Walid Regragui's plan to use Chemsdine Talbi on the left to exploit Jules Koundé was thwarted by France's pressing, limiting Morocco's attacking opportunities.
According to reports, France's pressing was so effective that Morocco's only hope was to hold on for penalties. Once Mbappé broke the deadlock, the second goal quickly followed, with Dembélé's shot deflecting off Noussair Mazraoui past Bounou.
France's path to the final
France will now face Spain or Belgium in Dallas. Their ability to grind out results, reminiscent of West Germany's 1990 campaign, has drawn praise from coach Didier Deschamps, who hailed Mbappé as "exemplary." The team's depth and resilience make them strong contenders for a third World Cup in 28 years.
