Kylian Mbappé has guided France to a 2-0 victory over Morocco, securing their place in a third successive final. The match saw Mbappé score once and provide an assist, contributing to Ousmane Dembélé‘s goal.
The encounter was a rematch of the 2022 semi-finals, where France also defeated Morocco by the same scoreline. Mbappé’s performance included a goal and his third assist of the tournament, enabling Dembélé to seal the win.
Mbappé’s Tournament Performance
Mbappé’s goal brought his total to eight for the tournament, matching Lionel Messi‘s tally in the United States. His overall World Cup goal count now stands at 20 in as many matches. Despite a missed penalty during the game, Mbappé demonstrated a strong response.
The penalty incident occurred after Noussair Mazraoui tripped Mbappé. The spot-kick was awarded following a lengthy VAR review, which lasted three minutes and 12 seconds. Mbappé’s subsequent penalty attempt was saved by Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou.
Bounou, known as a penalty specialist, had a notable performance, making several saves throughout the match. He denied Mbappé’s 20-yard shot and Dayot Upamecano‘s close-range header early on. He also tipped Lucas Digne‘s shot onto the bar just before half-time.
Despite Bounou’s efforts, Mbappé eventually broke the deadlock with a curled shot from the edge of the box. Later, he set up Dembélé for France’s second goal. Dembélé’s five goals in the tournament have been somewhat overshadowed by Mbappé’s eight.
Mbappé’s influence on the field was evident, with one attempt to stop him resulting in a penalty and another leading to a booking for Issa Diop. Morocco, playing without the injured Ismael Saibari, adopted a defensive approach, congesting the midfield against the tournament favourites.
Morocco’s offensive efforts were limited, with Mohamed Ouahbi‘s side having a low xG after an hour of play. Neil El Aynaoui headed into the side netting in the 84th minute, but it was too late for Morocco to mount a comeback.
Mbappé’s Growing Influence
Mbappé’s presence at this World Cup has extended beyond his on-field performance, establishing him as a significant cultural figure. His mastery of the game, composure, and articulate speech have been widely noted.
From a young age, Mbappé expressed his ambition to play for France, and he is now the leading goalscorer in French football history. He also plays a crucial role for Real Madrid, a club he was teased about joining as a child.
His speed, power, and magnetic footwork are often highlighted as key attributes. French football culture, which values verbal excellence alongside technical skill, has seen Mbappé emerge as one of the sport’s prominent speakers.
Mbappé’s parents provided him with various tools to manage his energy, including a dedicated psychologist, flute and theatre lessons, and football training. The family home in Bondy, a suburb of northeastern Paris, was located near the Stade Léo-Lagrange, a municipal football stadium.
This tournament has showcased Mbappé’s ability to engage with the press and express his views, including a strong denunciation of a Paraguayan senator who made a racist attack against him after France’s victory over Paraguay in the round of 16.
Mbappé’s directness and willingness to address political issues mark a shift from the neutrality often seen among elite athletes. His statements, such as his response to a reporter who identified as being on his “extreme left” during the European Championships in 2024, demonstrate his comfort with polarization.
His coach, Didier Deschamps, has described Mbappé as a joker, a friend, and a “disciplinarian dad.” Mbappé’s influence is such that Deschamps felt it necessary to clarify that his captain is not a despot, but a cherished teammate.
Morocco, who were Africa’s first semi-finalists in 2022, are now its first back-to-back quarter-finalists. However, France and Mbappé appear focused on achieving further historical milestones in the tournament.
The entire competition has been viewed by some as a contest between Mbappé and Messi for the Golden Ball, Golden Boot, and the World Cup itself. Mbappé’s goal against Morocco brought him level with Messi on eight goals in the United States.
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Source: independent.co.uk