Mbappé makes amends as France end Morocco’s run
France advanced to the World Cup semi-finals with a controlled 2–0 victory over Morocco at Boston Stadium.
Les Bleus dominated the opening stages and almost struck early when Dayot Upamecano’s close-range header was saved by Yassine Bounou. France continued to dictate possession, while Morocco struggled to create danger without injured forward Ismael Saibari.
France were awarded a penalty midway through the first half after Noussair Mazraoui brought down Kylian Mbappé. However, Bounou denied the France captain from the spot, keeping Morocco level after a lengthy delay before the kick.
The Moroccan goalkeeper remained busy before half-time, saving from Désiré Doué before Lucas Digne’s swerving effort struck the crossbar in stoppage time.
Mbappé eventually broke Morocco’s resistance on the hour mark. Doué found the forward near the edge of the penalty area, and Mbappé curled a brilliant finish beyond Bounou to score his eighth goal of the tournament.
France doubled their advantage six minutes later. Mbappé turned provider, releasing Ousmane Dembélé, whose low shot crept through the Moroccan defence and beyond Bounou.
Morocco attempted to respond, with Azzedine Ounahi forcing Mike Maignan into a late save, but France remained largely comfortable. Mbappé later left the pitch with ice around his right ankle, although he indicated afterwards that the issue was minor.
France progressed to a third consecutive World Cup semi-final, while Morocco’s impressive campaign ended at the quarter-final stage.
Scorers:
France: Mbappé 60’; Dembélé 66’
Player of the Match: Kylian Mbappé