Kylian Mbappe redeemed himself after a first-half penalty was saved by scoring a magnificent opener that propelled France to a 2-0 victory over Morocco in their World Cup quarterfinal clash on Thursday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
Mbappe's Redemption and Record
Mbappe's weak spot-kick was easily stopped by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the 25th minute. However, he made amends with a brilliant curling finish in the 60th minute, marking his eighth goal of the tournament. This moved him level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. Mbappe later exited the match with an ice pack on his right ankle after setting up Ousmane Dembele for the second goal in the 66th minute, sealing the win in front of 63,811 spectators.
France knocked Morocco out, replicating their 2022 semifinal victory in Qatar. The win sends Les Bleus to the last four, where they will face either Spain or Belgium in Dallas next Tuesday. France aims to reach a third consecutive World Cup final in coach Didier Deschamps' final tournament before he steps down.
France's Dominance and Morocco's Struggle
France, winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, eased through to another semifinal, proving too strong for a Moroccan side lacking firepower without the injured Ismael Saibari. Mbappe, one of the greatest goal-scorers of his generation, continues to shine at the World Cup. After braces against Senegal and Iraq in the group stage and a goal against Sweden in the round of 32, he scored the only goal from the penalty spot against Paraguay in the previous round. He now has 20 goals in 20 World Cup appearances, within one of Messi's tournament record of 21.
Morocco, despite having more crowd support, lacked a cutting edge in attack as France kept a third clean sheet in as many knockout games. The Moroccan team, featuring young talents like former France Under-21 captain Ayyoub Bouaddi, is expected to be a force when they co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Key Moments and Statistics
Mbappe provoked the penalty after being fouled by Noussair Mazraoui in the 25th minute. Argentinian referee Facundo Tello pointed to the spot after a review ruled out a foul on Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi. Mbappe's weak penalty was easily saved, but he later scored with a superb strike from outside the area after receiving a pass from Desire Doue. France's all-time leading scorer now has 64 international goals from 104 appearances.
Dembele, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, now has five goals at this World Cup, but Mbappe continues to dominate the spotlight. Bounou made several saves in the first half, including tipping a Doue shot around the post, while Lucas Digne hit the crossbar from distance. France's pressure paid off 15 minutes into the second half, securing their semifinal berth.
