France advanced to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup after defeating Morocco 2-0 in Thursday’s quarter-final, ending the Atlas Lions’ impressive run in the tournament.
Morocco entered the encounter hoping to extend its historic campaign after emerging as the last African nation in the competition, having eliminated the Netherlands and Canada in the knockout rounds.
France dominated possession from the outset but were denied an early breakthrough when Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved a first-half penalty from Kylian Mbappé.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 60th minute when Mbappé curled a superb effort beyond Bounou to give France a deserved lead.
Six minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé doubled the advantage with a low finish, putting Didier Deschamps’ side firmly in control.
Morocco pushed for a response through Achraf Hakimi, Azzedine Ounahi and Brahim Diaz, but found it difficult to break down France’s well-organised defence.
France comfortably managed the closing stages, restricting Morocco’s attacking opportunities while securing another clean sheet in the knockout phase.
The victory sends France into the semi-finals as they continue their quest for another FIFA World Cup title after eliminating Paraguay and Morocco in successive knockout matches.
Morocco bow out with their heads held high after another memorable World Cup campaign, reaching the quarter-finals for the second consecutive tournament following their historic semi-final appearance in 2022.
Source: (NAN)
