July 10: France booked their place in a third consecutive FIFA World Cup semifinal with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Morocco, inspired by Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
France dominated from the opening whistle and created several early chances, with Mbappé testing goalkeeper Yassine Bounou before Dayot Upamecano missed a golden opportunity from close range.
Mbappé had the chance to put France ahead in the first half after being brought down in the penalty area by Noussair Mazraoui. However, the French captain’s penalty was comfortably saved by Bounou, leaving the teams level at halftime despite France’s attacking dominance.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the second half when Mbappé produced a brilliant curling strike that beat the Moroccan defence and goalkeeper to give France a deserved lead.
Moments later, Mbappé turned provider, setting up Dembélé, who calmly finished to double France’s advantage and effectively seal the contest.
Mbappé was substituted late in the match with ice applied to his ankle as a precaution, but he later joined his teammates in the celebrations, suggesting the injury is not serious.
The victory sends France into the World Cup semifinals for the third tournament in a row, underlining their status as one of international football’s dominant forces. They will next face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Spain and Belgium for a place in the final.
Morocco’s impressive World Cup journey ended despite another spirited display against the defending champions.
