世界杯八强赛：姆巴佩罚丢点球又破门，法国二比零完胜摩洛哥进四强

Today let's talk about a high-quality World Cup quarter-final: France beat Morocco two to zero to power into the semi-finals.

This was a perfect showcase of a title favorite's quality.

First, a word on France.

France are packed with stars, one of the acknowledged big title favorites of this World Cup, and their number-one star Mbappé is a byword for pace and efficiency in the game today.

Their opponents Morocco are one of the biggest dark horses of this World Cup.

As the standard-bearers of African teams, they fought past every obstacle to get here and played with great tenacity.

Alright, into the game.

In the first half, both sides were very cautious, Morocco's defending disciplined too, the score locked for a while at nil-nil.

In fact, France won a golden chance in the first half — a penalty.

Yet Mbappé, stepping up to the spot, unexpectedly missed, and France spurned the chance to lead.

But a truly strong team doesn't fall apart over one mistake.

After the change of ends, France finally showed their quality, and the balance of the game quickly tipped.

In the sixtieth minute, Mbappé made up for his missed penalty with a fine goal — one to zero.

This was also his twentieth World Cup goal, of huge significance.

Just six minutes later, in the sixty-sixth, Dembélé scored again, stretching it to two to zero and sealing the win.

Two goals in hand, France firmly controlled the game.

Morocco threw everything into a fightback to keep their World Cup dream alive, but could never truly shake France's defense.

France, unhurried, ran down the clock with slick possession and steadily protected their lead.

In the end, France cleanly kept a clean sheet and marched proudly into the semi-finals.

So, how should this game be judged?

For France, this is a highly convincing win.

This is already their third straight World Cup semi-final, and such consistent excellence is the mark of a top giant.

And Mbappé, in both goals and form, has taken the lead in the Golden Boot race.

For Morocco, this defeat, though a pity, is entirely understandable.

What they ran into was an opponent clearly stronger.

But as Africa's flag-bearers, they reached the quarter-finals at two straight World Cups, and long ago won the respect of the whole world.

That's France two to zero Morocco, a win belonging to Mbappé, and to France's pedigree.

See you next match.