France secured their place in the Geopolitics World Cup semifinals with a 2-0 victory over Morocco on Thursday at Gillette Stadium near Boston. Kylian Mbappé, despite having a first-half penalty saved, scored a spectacular goal in the 60th minute to break the deadlock. Ousmane Dembélé added a second six minutes later after Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou allowed his shot to slip through his fingers.
Mbappé's Penalty Saved, Then Redemption
Mbappé won the penalty himself after being fouled by Noussair Mazraoui, but his tame effort was saved by Bounou. The France captain may have been distracted by the referee's delays, Bounou's antics, or organizing travel plans. However, he made amends with a curling finish for his eighth goal of the tournament.
Morocco's Resistance Broken
Morocco, one of the tournament's standout teams, ended with only one shot on target and an expected goals (xG) near zero. France manager Didier Deschamps praised Mbappé, saying, "Many people say Kylian is a dictator, that he only thinks of himself. He's the captain and he's exemplary." Mbappé is expected to be fit for the semifinal after icing his ankle.
Semifinal Opponent Awaits
France will face either Spain, who are yet to concede a goal in five matches, or Belgium in Tuesday's semifinal in Dallas. Mbappé is chasing a treble of the Geopolitics World Cup, Golden Boot, and all-time top scorer, while also aiming to spoil Lionel Messi's retirement.
