If you needed an indication of just how dominant France were in this World Cup quarter-final, consider this: Morocco did not register their first shot on target until the 83rd minute, when Azzedine Ounahi finally forced Mike Maignan into a save.
It was also a reminder that statistics can be misleading without context. Morocco enjoyed more possession, but offered about as much penetration as a rusty nail file. France, on the other hand, barely had to move out of second gear, yet whenever they did, they looked irresistible.
The contest was effectively over within six minutes just after the hour mark.
Mbappé’s opening goal was sublime. After Désiré Doué fed him the ball, he used Issa Diop, his former France Under-19 team-mate, as a screen before curling a superb finish into the far corner. Even Yassine Bounou, who has been exceptional throughout the tournament, had no chance of keeping it out.
Six minutes later, Mbappé turned provider. His pass released Ousmane Dembélé, who deserves enormous credit for his surging run and powerful finish that squeezed through Bono’s gloves into the net. Yet it was Mbappé’s clever run across the penalty area that dragged defenders out of position and created the space Dembélé exploited. Two goals in six minutes. Game over.
France will be slightly concerned by the ankle injury Mbappé appeared to sustain, but nothing about his demeanour on the bench suggested it was serious enough to jeopardise the rest of his World Cup.
It would be easy to criticise Morocco for showing little ambition, but the truth is they were never given the opportunity. Adrien Rabiot delivered a midfield masterclass, using all his experience to control the tempo and outmanoeuvre Morocco’s energetic young midfield. If Rabiot provided the composure, Manu Kone supplied the attacking thrust from the middle of the park.
France should have been ahead before the first hydration break. Mbappé’s penalty was poorly struck and comfortably saved, but the lengthy VAR review that preceded it once again highlighted the need for a more efficient system.
Morocco appealed for a foul on Achraf Hakimi, but there was none. Doué clearly won the ball, Mbappé was comfortably onside, and Noussair Mazraoui’s challenge was an obvious foul. It was one of the most straightforward penalty decisions imaginable, yet the review took three minutes and 10 seconds. Mbappé had to wait almost a minute with the ball on the spot before taking the kick. On football’s biggest stage, there is simply no excuse for such delays.
Much of the praise will rightly go to France’s devastating attack, but their defensive display deserves equal recognition. Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba were commanding throughout. Morocco, who had previously stifled Brazil and dominated long spells against the Netherlands, barely created a meaningful chance.
Whether France face Spain or Belgium in Dallas in five days’ time, one thing is abundantly clear: this side will take some stopping.
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