Mbappe Misses Penalty but Scores as France Beat Morocco 2-0 to Reach World Cup Semifinals
France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday, with Kylian Mbappe overcoming an early penalty miss to score a decisive goal. The victory sends France to the semifinals, where they will face England.
Mbappe had a chance to open the scoring in the 22nd minute when he was fouled inside the box by Noussair Mazraoui. The referee awarded a penalty after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). However, the delay of over three minutes, during which Mbappe waited and Moroccan players were warned for encroachment, appeared to affect his composure. His spot-kick was weak and easily saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Despite the miss, Mbappe redeemed himself in the 74th minute. With his back to goal, he turned sharply, controlled the ball, and fired a low shot through a narrow gap between defenders Issa Diop and Noussair Mazraoui. The ball curled past Bounou and into the net, doubling France's lead after Antoine Griezmann had opened the scoring earlier in the second half.
The goal broke Morocco's resistance and sealed France's place in the last four. Mbappe's performance highlighted the fine margins in football: a missed penalty followed by a moment of brilliance from open play.
Mbappe's penalty record for France remains strong, with only two misses in 15 attempts. His goal ensured that France continued their title defence in style.
