World Cup Recap: Mbappé Penalty Woes No Problem as France Cruise Past Morocco

Kylian Mbappé shook off a first-half penalty saved to inspire France into a third straight World Cup semi-final, overwhelming Morocco 2-0 in a one-sided quarter-final. The Real Madrid star rebounded with a stunning opener just past the hour, and Ousmane Dembélé added a second six minutes later to seal a deserved victory. Morocco, the last African side standing, simply couldn't cope with Les Bleus' relentless pressure. France 2-0 Morocco Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou had been the story of the first half, comfortably saving Mbappé's poorly struck penalty after Noussair Mazraoui fouled the French captain inside the box. It was Bounou's fourth World Cup penalty save — remarkable numbers that kept the Atlas Lions level at the break despite France's total dominance. The French had already racked up 20 attempts by the hour mark with Morocco offering virtually nothing going forward, and the dam finally burst in the 60th minute. Désiré Doué teed up Mbappé, who whipped a superb curling effort from just inside the penalty area past Bounou's despairing dive — his eighth goal of the tournament. Six minutes later, Mbappé turned provider, feeding Dembélé — the Ballon d'Or holder allowed to run unchallenged at the Morocco backline before firing a low strike that beat Bounou at the near post despite the keeper getting a hand to it. Jean-Philippe Mateta nearly added a third but scuffed his effort after a fine dummy, and Bradley Barcola tested Bono late on. Late substitutions saw Malo Gusto replace Jules Koundé and Amine Sbai come on for Chemsdine Talbi, but the outcome was long settled. Mike Maignan was largely untroubled in the French goal as Morocco failed to mount any meaningful response.    Upcoming Matches for July 10 (all times ET): 3PM ET — Spain vs Belgium, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles