France has reached the World Cup semifinals for the third time in a row after defeating Morocco 2-0. The match was tense from the start. In the twenty-fifth minute, Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui fouled French player Kylian Mbappé in the penalty area. After a video review, a penalty was awarded. However, Mbappé's shot was saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Despite this missed opportunity, France dominated the game. Statistics showed France had thirteen shots in the first half, while Morocco had only one. French players Lucas Digne and Mbappé both had attempts on goal before halftime. Morocco's best chance came from a free kick by Achraf Hakimi.
The first goal came in the sixtieth minute when Mbappé scored with a precise shot. Six minutes later, Mbappé assisted Ousmane Dembélé, who scored the second goal. This was Dembélé's fifth goal of the tournament.
Mbappé's opening goal was significant. It was his eighth goal in this World Cup, tying him with Lionel Messi for the most goals. It also brought his career World Cup total to twenty goals. He also played in his twentieth World Cup match, matching a French record.
Morocco's manager, Mohamed Ouahbi, admitted that France was the better team. "We are very disappointed," he said. "Our transitions were not great."
Mbappé left the game briefly in the seventy-seventh minute due to an ankle injury, but he said he was fine. France will now play in the semifinals in Dallas on July 14 against the winner of the Spain vs. Belgium game. France has not conceded any goals in the knockout stage and has scored sixteen goals in total.