France booked their spot in the World Cup semifinals with a commanding 2-0 win over Morocco at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, a repeat of the 2022 semifinal, which they won by the same scoreline.
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 60th minute with a curling finish, making amends after having a first-half penalty saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, following a lengthy VAR delay. Mbappé then turned provider, setting up Ousmane Dembélé to double the lead six minutes later.
The France captain’s goal was his 20th at World Cup tournaments, moving him within one of Lionel Messi’s all-time record. France dominated throughout, out-shooting Morocco 21-4 on target and racking up nearly 3.0 expected goals to Morocco’s 0.14.
Morocco, missing injured striker Ismael Saibari, put up a spirited defensive effort for an hour before their resistance broke. Their run still ends as one of the tournament’s most impressive, having gone unbeaten for 34 straight matches before this defeat.
France advances to face the winner of Friday’s Spain-Belgium quarterfinal.
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