With their 2-0 win over Morocco on Thursday, France will advance to their third semi-final in as many tournaments.
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Kylian Mbappé looked to even himself with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race but would miss just wide.
But just a few moments later, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou would be tested again, denying France another scoring opportunity.
But France seemingly had their golden opportunity in the 25th after a foul in the box would award them a penalty.
Mbappé would once again look to find his eighth of the tournament, stepping up to the spot for the penalty.
But with Bounou guessing correctly, paired with Mbappé not getting a great strike on the ball, Bounou would make the save and keep the game level.
And Bounou’s day at the office was far from over.
In the 35th minute, Désiré Doué, engulfed by red jerseys, would sneak a strike onto net, forcing another save from Bounou.
France would continue their press on the Moroccan goalkeeper, with another great chance from Lucas Digne striking the crossbar late in the half.
In the first half, France would outshoot Morocco 13 to one but could not find the back of the net.
Both teams would enter the half knotted in a 0-0 deadlock.
Coming out of the half, Morocco would pull off a quick counterattack, seeing Brahim Díaz record the first attempt at net in the second half.
But his strike would be blocked before it could pose any danger on goal.
In the 56th Doué would deliver a well footed strike right into the stomach of Bounou.
But Mbappé, in the 60th minute, would finally find the back of the net.
Recording the 20th of his World Cup career and his eighth of the tournament.
And France just would not quit, finding another in the 66th.
The goal would see Ousmane Dembélé just beat Bounou to the right post, doubling France’s advantage.
In the 76th, French fans would hold their breath as Mbappé would take a seat on the turf with a grimace on his face.
The French star would be subbed off just a minute later, walking off the field under his own power.
Jean-Philippe Mateta would come in Mbappé’s place.
In the 83rd minute, Morocco would force the first save of the day from Mike Maignan after Azzedine Ounahi would deliver a hearty strike onto net.
France would hold onto their two-goal lead, advancing to their third semi-final in as many tournaments.
They’ll be set to face off against Spain or Belgium at 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
Follow Adrian Murillo Silva on Instagram @adrainms_official
