France advances in World Cup
Kylian Mbappé played a pivotal role as France secured a 2-0 victory against Morocco, propelling them towards a third consecutive World Cup final. The match saw Mbappé both score and provide an assist, continuing his strong performance in the tournament.
The encounter was a rematch of the 2022 semi-finals, where France also defeated Morocco by the same scoreline. Mbappé’s goal was a curled shot from the edge of the box, a moment of brilliance that broke Morocco‘s resistance after a period of strong goalkeeping.
Despite appearing to be in some discomfort, leaving the field with an ice pack on his right foot, Mbappé celebrated with his team after the final whistle. This suggested the ice pack was a precautionary measure rather than an indication of a serious injury ahead of the upcoming semi-final against Spain or Belgium.
Mbappé’s Tournament Impact
This World Cup has often been framed as a contest between Mbappé and Lionel Messi, vying for accolades such as the Golden Ball, Golden Boot, and the World Cup trophy itself. Mbappé‘s goal in this match brought his tournament tally to eight, matching his Argentine counterpart’s total in the United States. His overall World Cup goal count now stands at 20 in as many matches.
The match also highlighted the exceptional performance of Morocco‘s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou. Bounou, known as a penalty specialist, made several crucial saves throughout the game. He notably saved a penalty from Mbappé in the first half, following a foul on Mbappé by Noussair Mazraoui.
The penalty decision was subject to a lengthy VAR review, lasting over three minutes. Mbappé‘s subsequent spot-kick was a tame sidefoot, which Bounou easily held. Earlier in the game, Bounou had made two impressive saves from Mbappé‘s 20-yard shot and Dayot Upamecano‘s close-range header. He also managed to tip Lucas Digne‘s swerving shot onto the bar just before half-time.
Mbappé was not just a scorer; he also provided his third assist of the tournament, setting up Ousmane Dembélé for France‘s second goal. Dembélé‘s goal, his fifth of the tournament, was assisted by Mbappé, who first laid the ball off and then created space for the shot with a driving run. Bounou got a hand to Dembélé‘s effort but could only push it into the net.
Dembélé‘s scoring form has been significant, particularly as he had not scored in a tournament until his previous trip to Boston, where he netted a hat-trick against Norway. Two of those goals were also assisted by Mbappé, a former Paris Saint-Germain teammate.
Morocco’s Campaign and Mbappé’s Persona
Morocco, who were Africa‘s first semi-finalists in 2022, have now become its first back-to-back quarter-finalists. However, their approach against France differed from their previous matches against Brazil and the Netherlands. They adopted a more defensive strategy, congesting the midfield and focusing on crowding out Michael Olise, which resulted in a limited attacking threat in the first half.
France had 13 shots before Morocco registered their first. After an hour of play, Mohamed Ouahbi‘s side had an expected goals (xG) figure of just 0.06. By the time Morocco began to press more, it was too late, with Neil El Aynaoui heading into the side netting in the 84th minute.
Beyond his on-field prowess, Mbappé has also become a prominent figure off the pitch. He is recognized for his speed, power, and magnetic footwork. In French football culture, top players are often referred to as a “crack,” a description that fits Mbappé well. His ability to combine strength with a nonchalant style of play has been noted during this tournament.
Mbappé‘s personality has also garnered attention, with some comparing him to a statesman or even a comedian. He has been described as a player whose mastery of his game, temperament, and speech is as serene as his folded arms in celebration. Growing up in the Parisian banlieue, Mbappé often expressed his ambition to play for France, and he is now the leading goalscorer in French football history.
His early life included playing for Real Madrid, a club he was teased about joining as a child, and he is now considered their most important player. Mbappé‘s confidence and ability to perform under pressure were evident in a previous last-16 match against Paraguay, where he scored the decisive penalty and was seen sauntering around the pitch with a smile.
Didier Deschamps, the France coach, has defended Mbappé against suggestions of being a despot, emphasizing that he is a beloved and cherished teammate. Mbappé himself has been articulate on various topics, from football’s stylistic evolution to team dynamics and hydration breaks. He has also been a steadfast defender of Deschamps, whom he described as a joker, a friend, and a “disciplinarian dad.”
Mbappé has also shown a keen awareness of public perception and a willingness to engage in political discourse. During the European Championships in 2024, he sparked controversy by calling for a vote against the extreme right in legislative elections. He also publicly denounced a Paraguayan senator for a racist attack after France‘s victory over Paraguay in the round of 16. This demonstrates his readiness to use his platform for social issues, marking a departure from the perceived neutrality of some global sporting elites.
His upbringing in Bondy, a suburb of northeastern Paris, played a significant role in shaping his character. His family provided him with various tools to channel his energy, including a dedicated psychologist from the seventh grade, flute and theatre lessons, in addition to football. The family home was located near the Stade Léo-Lagrange, a municipal football stadium.
France and Mbappé appear determined to continue making history in this World Cup.
Read Also
Source: independent.co.uk
Harry Loxley is a Senior Football Correspondent at NewsGB.org. He spent his early career reporting East Midlands football. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Derby and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Derby, he watches non-league and runs a fan podcast. “Good football writing follows the people, not just the points.”