Mbappe inspired France to a 2-0 victory over Morocco on Thursday despite missing an early penalty. The Real Madrid forward recovered to score a stunning opener and later set up Ousmane Dembele for France’s second goal.
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The win sends France into the World Cup semi-finals. Les Bleus will face either Spain or Belgium in Dallas next Tuesday.
Mbappe responds after penalty miss
Mbappe won a penalty in the 25th minute after Noussair Mazraoui fouled him inside the box.
However, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved the spot-kick with a comfortable stop.
France continued to dominate possession. Meanwhile, Bounou denied several other chances to keep Morocco level before halftime.
France take control
France finally broke the deadlock in the 60th minute.
Desire Doue slipped a pass to Mbappe outside the penalty area. The forward then curled a superb finish into the corner to score his eighth goal of the tournament.
Shortly afterward, Mbappe released Dembele with a precise pass. The Ballon d’Or winner calmly finished to double France’s lead.
France move one step closer
Morocco enjoyed strong support inside the stadium. However, the Atlas Lions struggled to create clear chances without injured midfielder Ismael Saibari.
Meanwhile, France recorded a third consecutive clean sheet in the knockout stage.
Mbappe has now scored 20 goals in 20 World Cup appearances. He also moved level with Lionel Messi on eight goals in the race for this tournament’s Golden Boot.
France, who won the World Cup in 2018 and finished runners-up in 2022, now stand one victory away from reaching a third consecutive World Cup final.
