France have booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals after a commanding second-half display against Morocco in the quarter-final tie.
Kylian Mbappe produced a moment of genuine brilliance in the 60th minute, curling a stunning effort into the top-right corner to break the deadlock.
The strike came after a frustrating first half for the France captain, who had a penalty brilliantly saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou before the interval.
Désire Doué played the key role in the build-up, picking out Mbappe on the edge of the penalty area before the forward took one touch and produced a sublime finish.
Bounou was left with absolutely no chance as the ball flew into the net, silencing any thoughts of a Moroccan upset in the quarter-final.
The goal was Mbappe’s eighth of this World Cup, drawing him level with Lionel Messi in the race for the golden boot.
Just six minutes after breaking the deadlock, Mbappe turned provider by slipping a pass into the path of Ousmane Dembele for France’s second goal.
Dembele cut inside from the left and guided a precise finish towards the bottom-right corner, with Bounou getting a touch but failing to keep the ball out.
The quick-fire double within six minutes put France firmly in control of the contest and effectively ended Morocco’s challenge for a place in the last four.
France have now reached their third consecutive World Cup semi-final, a remarkable run of consistency at the very highest level of international football.
Les Bleus lifted the trophy back in 2018 before reaching the final again in 2022, where they suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in one of the greatest finals in World Cup history.
They will now face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of a second World Cup title in three tournaments.
With Mbappe delivering on the biggest stage once again, France look every bit like genuine contenders to go all the way and claim the trophy.
