Mbappe leads France to comfortable 2-0 win over Morocco

Captain Kylian Mbappe inspired France to a commanding 2-0 World Cup quarter-final win over Morocco on Thursday, setting up a semi-final clash with Spain or Belgium. Mbappe scored his eighth goal of the tournament and his 20th World Cup goal with a precise curling shot. Ousmane Dembele added a second goal six minutes later with a low drive, securing France's place in the last four.

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Captain Kylian Mbappe scored his eighth goal of the tournament to inspire France to a comprehensive 2-0 World Cup quarter-final win over Morocco on Thursday (Jul 9) and set up a last-four clash with Spain or Belgium.

France, bidding to become only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup finals, appeared the hungrier side. Morocco, aiming for a second straight semi-final spot, missed the injured Ismael Saibari and failed to register a shot on target until the 84th minute. The French started strongly, with Mbappe having an early opportunity, but Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved his penalty attempt.

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Mbappe, who at 27 became the youngest player to rack up 20 World Cup appearances, also bagged his 20th World Cup goal with a curling shot from just inside the box before Ousmane Dembele added another six minutes later with a low drive to set up a last-four meeting with Belgium or Spain.

Despite the missed penalty, Mbappe found the net on the hour mark with a superb finish. Dembele then capitalized on the space created by Mbappe's run to score France's second goal. The French team has now scored 16 goals and conceded only 2 in six matches, demonstrating a strong performance as they pursue a third consecutive final appearance.

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Mbappe is the tournament's joint top scorer with eight goals, level with Lionel Messi, and he trails the Argentine by one goal in the World Cup all-time scoring list.