Kylian Mbappe recovered from penalty heartbreak to guide France into the World Cup semi-finals with a commanding 2-0 triumph against Morocco in Boston.
The Real Madrid forward had earlier squandered a spot-kick after being brought down by Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou comfortably keeping out his weak effort following a prolonged delay.
However, the France skipper atoned magnificently on the hour mark, bending a stunning strike from the edge of the box to break the deadlock.
Six minutes later, Mbappe turned provider as Ousmane Dembele drove at the Moroccan backline before firing low past Bounou, who got a touch but could not prevent the Ballon d’Or winner’s effort crossing the line.
Kylian Mbappe is a man on a mission with eight goals and three assists at the World Cup
|
REUTERS
There was a moment of concern for Didier Deschamps’ side when their talisman departed the pitch before the final whistle, receiving medical attention on his ankle.
Fears of a potential setback ahead of the last-four clash quickly dissipated, however.
The 27-year-old was spotted celebrating enthusiastically after the match concluded, dancing on the pitch in a display that suggested no lasting damage.
For those hoping France might be weakened by injury troubles, Mbappe’s post-match antics told a reassuring story for Les Bleus supporters.
With eight goals and three assists to his name this tournament, the captain appears far from finished.
Kylian Mbappe was spotted with ice on his ankle after coming off with an injury scare
|
REUTERS
The Frenchman’s eighth goal of the competition draws him level with Lionel Messi in the tournament scoring charts, though Mbappe now leads the Golden Boot race courtesy of his superior assist tally compared to his former Paris St-Germain colleague.
Beyond this World Cup, the pair are engaged in a captivating battle for football’s ultimate individual honour.
Mbappe has now accumulated 20 World Cup goals across his career, placing him just one behind the Argentine veteran’s record haul of 21.
At 27, the French captain has time firmly on his side against the 39-year-old in their pursuit of becoming the competition’s greatest ever marksman.
France, who suffered penalty shootout heartbreak against Argentina in the 2022 final, now stand on the brink of a third successive World Cup showpiece.
Ousmane Dembele doubled France’s lead just six minutes after Kylian Mbappe’s strike
|
REUTERS
Deschamps’ men will travel to Dallas for Tuesday’s semi-final encounter against either Spain or Belgium, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 BST.
The victory proved comfortable for the two-time world champions, despite waiting until nearly the hour to open the scoring.
Morocco, missing the injured Ismael Saibari, offered precious little going forward and depart the tournament at the quarter-final stage.
Dayot Upamecano spurned an early opportunity, while Lucas Digne rattled the crossbar, but the outcome never appeared in doubt.
