France Marches On: Mbappé and Dembélé Strike Down Morocco to Secure Th

[Kingjosh50]

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Les Bleus are making the extraordinary look routine.

 

With a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco at Gillette Stadium on Thursday night, France booked their ticket to a third consecutive World Cup semifinal. Led by the brilliance of Kylian Mbappé, the reigning powerhouse overcame early frustration and a late injury scare to stay on track for a historic third straight final appearance.

 

The victory sets up a blockbuster semifinal clash in Dallas next Tuesday, where France will await the winner of the Spain vs. Belgium quarterfinal.

 

Redemption from the Spot

The match began with high drama. In the 25th minute, Mbappé’s blistering pace forced Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui into a desperate tackle inside the box. Referee Facundo Tello immediately pointed to the penalty spot.

 

However, a lengthy and agonizing VAR review delayed the spot-kick. When Mbappé finally stepped up in the 28th minute, his uncharacteristic hesitation allowed Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou to guess correctly, smothering the shot to the right corner and keeping the Atlas Lions level.

 

France utterly dominated the first half, outshooting Morocco 13-1, but had nothing to show for it at the break. Morocco’s closest opportunity came just before halftime when Achraf Hakimi narrowly missed the target with a curling free kick.