France ends Morocco’s World Cup run

France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup quarter-finals on Thursday at the Boston Stadium, advancing to the semi-finals.

Kylian Mbappe scored the opening goal in the 60th minute. Ousmane Dembele added a second goal late in the match to secure the win.

Mbappe had a first-half penalty saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou before scoring his eighth goal of the tournament. The goal moved Mbappe level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot, with both players on eight goals. Mbappe was substituted late in the match with an ice pack around his right ankle.

France will face Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals on Tuesday in Dallas.

The victory marks France’s third consecutive World Cup semi-final appearance. France won the tournament in 2018 and finished as runners-up in 2022.

Mbappe has now scored 20 goals in 20 World Cup appearances, one goal short of Messi’s overall tournament record of 21. The French captain has 64 international goals from 104 appearances.

Morocco, who reached the semi-finals in 2022, finish their tournament in the quarter-finals. The match was watched by 63,811 spectators.

France coach Didier Deschamps is stepping down after the tournament.

SOURCE: AFP