France advances to semifinals
France secured a 2-0 victory over Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinals on Thursday, with Kylian Mbappé contributing a goal and an assist. The win propels France into the semifinals, where they are scheduled to face either Spain or Belgium in Dallas on Tuesday. This marks a significant step for France, as they remain in contention to become only the third nation to participate in the final of three consecutive World Cups.
The match saw France maintain a strong offensive presence, registering a 21-4 advantage in shots on goal and an 8-1 edge in shots on target throughout the game. Despite their disappointment, Morocco’s coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, noted that the team’s transitions were not optimal when they had ball possession, requiring them to expend more energy.
Mbappé’s performance and key moments
Mbappé’s goal in the 60th minute was his 20th in his World Cup career, achieved in his 20th tournament match. This places him one goal behind Argentina captain Lionel Messi. The goal came after Morocco failed to clear the ball, allowing Mbappé to receive it just outside the penalty area, take a few steps, and then send a shot precisely inside the far post. He celebrated by extending his arms and running to the sideline with his teammates.
Earlier in the game, Mbappé had the first shot on goal in the fourth minute, narrowly missing wide right. In the 25th minute, he was fouled in the box by Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui, leading to a penalty kick. After a lengthy video review, Mbappé’s attempt in the 28th minute was saved by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who correctly anticipated the shot’s direction towards the right corner. Mbappé had successfully converted his only other penalty attempt in this year’s World Cup during France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the round of 16.
France’s second goal was also initiated by Mbappé. He received a pass and then tapped it back to Ousmane Dembélé. Mbappé continued his run forward, drawing defenders with him and creating space for Dembélé, who then scored his fifth goal of the tournament in the 66th minute. Dembélé’s goal further solidified France’s lead.
Match dynamics and historical context
France displayed a dominant offensive performance in the first half, holding a 13-1 advantage in shots on goal. Morocco’s most notable opportunity came just before halftime when Achraf Hakimi sent a free kick from outside the box past the right post. Despite their efforts, Morocco was unable to breach France’s defense.
This quarterfinal match was a repeat of the 2022 tournament semifinals in Qatar, where France also defeated Morocco by the same score. In that tournament, the Atlas Lions made history as the first African team to reach the semifinals. The current victory allows France to continue its pursuit of a third consecutive World Cup final appearance.
Towards the end of the match, Mbappé was fouled in the 76th minute and was substituted a minute later. He was later observed on the bench with an ice pack on his right ankle. However, following the match, Mbappé joined his teammates in celebration, running and jumping with both shoes on. France will play their semifinal match in Dallas on Tuesday.
Read Also
Source: apnews.com
