France booked a FIFA World Cup semi-final place after defeating Morocco 2-0 in Thursday’s quarter-final, ending the Atlas Lions’ impressive tournament campaign.
Morocco entered the match seeking another historic achievement after becoming the last African nation remaining in the competition following victories over the Netherlands and Canada.
France controlled possession early but endured frustration after Kylian Mbappé failed to convert a first-half penalty against Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 60th minute when Mbappé curled a clinical effort beyond Bounou to hand France a deserved advantage.
Only six minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé doubled France’s lead with a low finish, putting Didier Deschamps’ side firmly in control.
Morocco attempted to respond through Achraf Hakimi, Azzedine Ounahi and Brahim Diaz but struggled to penetrate France’s disciplined defensive organisation.
France remained composed throughout the closing stages, limiting Morocco’s attacking opportunities while preserving another clean sheet in the knockout phase.
The victory sends France into the semi-finals, keeping alive their pursuit of another World Cup title after eliminating Paraguay and Morocco in successive knockout matches.
Morocco depart with pride after another memorable World Cup, having reached consecutive quarter-finals following their historic semi-final appearance in 2022.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match was played at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States. (NAN)
