France took another giant stride towards World Cup glory after seeing off Morocco 2-0 in a composed quarter-final performance led by Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele.
Kylian Mbappe recovered from an early penalty miss to inspire Didier Deschamps’ side before Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele wrapped up the victory in a commanding second-half display.
France dominated proceedings from the opening whistle and nearly broke the deadlock on several occasions, with Mbappe testing goalkeeper Yassine Bounou from distance before Dayot Upamecano’s powerful header was kept out.
The breakthrough looked certain when Mbappe won a penalty after being brought down by Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui. However, the Real Madrid forward failed to convert, sending a tame effort that Bounou comfortably saved after a lengthy VAR review confirmed the spot-kick.
Despite the setback, France continued to dictate the game and eventually found the opener in the 60th minute. Mbappe curled a superb effort beyond Bounou from the edge of the penalty area to register his eighth goal of the tournament.
Only six minutes later, Dembele doubled France’s advantage after driving at the Moroccan defence before firing a low shot that squeezed past Bounou despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball.
The victory never looked in doubt thereafter, with Morocco struggling to create meaningful opportunities. The Atlas Lions managed just one shot on target throughout the contest as France’s defence comfortably contained their attacking threat.
Mbappe’s latest strike also saw him draw level with Lionel Messi on eight goals at this year’s World Cup. However, the French superstar currently leads the Golden Boot race thanks to a superior assist tally.
The goal also took the 27-year-old to 20 career World Cup goals, leaving him just one behind Messi’s all-time record of 21.
France, champions in 1998 and 2018, have now won six consecutive matches at the tournament and remain the competition’s highest-scoring side with 16 goals in six games.
There was a brief injury scare when Mbappe left the pitch in the 77th minute with ice strapped to his right ankle. However, any fears were quickly eased as the forward celebrated enthusiastically with his teammates after the final whistle.
Les Bleus will now face either Spain or Belgium in Tuesday’s semi-final in Dallas as they continue their pursuit of a third FIFA World Cup title.
