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World Cup: Mbappé and France reach semifinals after beating Morocco 2-0
🇩🇪 Germany /Sports

World Cup: Mbappé and France reach semifinals after beating Morocco 2-0

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Kylian Mbappé scored his 20th World Cup goal, leading France to a 2-0 victory over Morocco and into the semifinals.
  • Despite missing a penalty, Mbappé scored a spectacular goal, and Ousmane Dembélé added another to secure France's third consecutive semifinal appearance.
  • Morocco's goalkeeper Bono had an outstanding performance, saving Mbappé's penalty and making numerous other saves, but his team could not overcome the French offense.

Kylian Mbappé once again proved to be France's match-winner, scoring his 20th World Cup goal to guide his team to a well-deserved 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarterfinals. This win propels France into their third consecutive World Cup semifinal.

We are in the semifinals, we are confident. The path is still long. It will get harder. But we are ready.

— Kylian MbappéAfter scoring the crucial opening goal and leading France to the semifinals.

Despite an early setback where he missed a penalty against a formidable Moroccan goalkeeper Bono, Mbappé quickly redeemed himself. He netted a stunning goal in the 60th minute, breaking the deadlock. Ousmane Dembélé extended France's lead six minutes later, sealing the win for the defending champions.

Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bono was a standout performer, denying Mbappé from the penalty spot and making several crucial saves throughout the match. However, the Atlas Lions ultimately struggled to contain the potent French attack, ending their impressive World Cup run.

We have a number of super players, but it's never easy. A missed penalty, many missed chances, but when you have a Kylian in the team, you don't have to worry too much.

— Didier DeschampsPraising Mbappé's impact despite the team's missed opportunities.

Mbappé's goal brings his total World Cup tally to 20, placing him just one goal behind record-holder Lionel Messi. The French star also achieved another milestone, becoming the first player since 1966 to record 10 goal involvements in two different World Cups. France now advances to face the winner of the Spain vs. Belgium match, confident in their pursuit of another title.

I took a knock to the ankle, but it's okay.

— Kylian MbappéAddressing concerns about an ankle injury after being substituted.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.