Mbappé, Dembélé Fire France Past Morocco Into World Cup Semi-Finals

France booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco, as Kylian Mbappé redeemed himself from a first-half penalty miss before setting up Ousmane Dembélé to seal the win.

After a frustrating opening 45 minutes, the 2018 world champions finally found their rhythm in the second half to end Morocco’s impressive World Cup run and move within two matches of another global title.

France had the perfect chance to take the lead in the 28th minute when they were awarded a penalty after a lengthy VAR review. However, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou denied Mbappé from the spot, ensuring the sides went into the interval locked at 0-0.

Didier Deschamps’ side eventually made the breakthrough in the 60th minute. Désiré Doué slipped a pass into Mbappé, who curled a superb finish beyond Bounou to make amends for his earlier miss and hand France a deserved lead.

Just six minutes later, France doubled their advantage. Mbappé turned provider, releasing Dembélé, who finished clinically to leave Morocco with a mountain to climb.

Morocco, the last African nation remaining in the tournament, struggled to reproduce the attacking threat that had carried them to the quarter-finals. Despite several substitutions, they failed to seriously test the French defence as Les Bleus comfortably managed the closing stages.

The victory sends France into the semi-finals, where they will face the winners of Friday’s quarter-final between Spain and Belgium. Morocco, meanwhile, bow out after another memorable World Cup campaign that saw them eliminate higher-ranked opponents on their way to the last eight.