Kylian Mbappé led France to a 2-0 victory over Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinals, scoring a goal and providing an assist despite an early penalty miss. According to match reports, Mbappé became the first French player to reach 100 goal involvements for the national team, totaling 64 goals and 36 assists.
Mbappé’s Impact and Record-Breaking Stats
France secured their third consecutive World Cup semifinal berth by defeating Morocco. Mbappé’s performance was the catalyst, marking his 20th goal in World Cup competition. Roy Keane, speaking on ITV, noted that opposing defenders are “terrified” by Mbappé’s ability to beat markers with a single feint.
The match’s scoring opened when Mbappé curled the ball into the far top corner. Six minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé scored the second goal, with Mbappé acting as the penultimate player in the build-up sequence. NRK expert Eirik Horneland described the result as a reflection of the “class difference” between the two squads.
Controversy Over VAR Delay and Penalty Miss
The match began with a significant point of contention in the 28th minute. Mbappé missed a penalty after a delay of three minutes and 11 seconds from the time of the foul to the shot. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved the effort, which was described as unusually weak.
The delay drew sharp criticism from high-profile figures.
Lars Tjærnås, a football expert, also criticized the situation on X, calling the wait “hopeless.” Eirik Horneland of NRK suggested that VAR likely spent the time checking a potential free kick for Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, adding that such a check should be handled much faster.
Ankle Injury Concerns for the Semifinals
Despite the win, Mbappé was substituted after suffering an ankle injury. Television footage showed the player with an ice pack on his right ankle. NRK expert Carl Erik Torp noted that the primary talking point following the match would be whether the injury persists into the next round.
Mbappé told beIN Sports that he suffered a “blow to the ankle” but insisted he is doing well. He explained that Jean-Philippe Mateta was better suited to play the final 15 minutes of the match given his physical condition at that moment.
France’s Path to the Final
France now awaits the winner of the match between Belgium and Spain to determine their semifinal opponent. Roy Keane emphasized that the best way to beat France is to score first; otherwise, France’s ability to dismantle opponents on the counter-attack becomes overwhelming.
Quick Comparison: The Penalty Sequence
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wait Time | 3 minutes and 11 seconds |
| Outcome | Saved by Yassine Bounou |
| Criticism | Haaland, Sutton, and Tjærnås cited excessive delay |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did France beat to reach the semifinals?
France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup quarterfinals.
What record did Kylian Mbappé break?
He became the first French player to reach 100 goal involvements (64 goals, 36 assists) for the national team.
Why was there a delay during the penalty?
While not officially confirmed, NRK’s Eirik Horneland believes VAR was checking for a potential Moroccan free kick before the penalty was awarded.
Is Kylian Mbappé injured?
Mbappé reported a “blow to the ankle” and was substituted, though he told beIN Sports that he is doing well.
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