By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: FIFA.
France beat Morocco 2-0 in Boston to clinch their spot in the semi-finals of the World Cup — but there was concern for Kylian Mbappe after he was forced off in the game.
Mbappe bounced back from having an early penalty saved to curl France into the lead with a fine finish. It was his eighth goal of the tournament, drawing him level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race and he trails the Argentine by one goal in the World Cup all-time scoring list.
Mbappe then turned provider for France’s second, setting up Ousmane Dembele to finish low into the bottom corner.
France held a 21-4 advantage in shots on goal and 8-1 edge in shots on target for the game.
Morocco’s best opportunity came just before the halftime whistle when Achraf Hakimi sent a free kick from just outside the box past the right post.
In a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, France looked the hungrier side throughout, with Morocco, aiming for a second straight last-four spot, badly missing injured striker Ismael Saibari and failing to get a shot on target until the 84th minute.
France’s semifinal is set for Tuesday, July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas against Spain or Belgium on Friday at 21:00, SA Time. The two teams have met 22 times in all competitions, with Spain winning 12, Belgium five and five draws.