Didier Deschamps praised France’s consistency and match nous after Les Bleus marched into their third consecutive World Cup semi-final, ending Morocco’s historic run in Boston.
A tense quarter-final conflict was blown vast open within the second half, with targets from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele sealing a comfortable 2-0 victory for the tournament favourites.
Mbappe missed a penalty in a goalless first half earlier than scoring an excellent eighth objective of the match to place him high of the golden boot race.
“That’s three (semi-finals) in a row — it’s good,” France coach Deschamps mentioned. “It appears logical and pure, however you continue to should get the job carried out. It was tough, the penalty… when it’s Kylian. He by no means has any doubts.”
“However we’re precisely the place we wished to be,” mentioned Deschamps, who substituted Mbappe late within the recreation after a knock to his ankle. “We’re taking one other step ahead right now, discovering ourselves within the last 4 as soon as once more. It exhibits we’re proper there within the combine.”
In a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, France, who’ve now stored clear sheets in all three knockout matches, regarded the hungrier all through with Morocco, aiming for a second straight last-four spot, badly lacking injured ahead Ismael Saibari, and failing to get a shot on track till the 84th minute.
Mbappé bounced again from a first-half penalty miss – which noticed his effort saved by Yassine Bounou – to interrupt the impasse with an excellent particular person effort on the hour mark earlier than Dembélé struck simply six minutes later to place the tie to mattress.
“We’re very dissatisfied, we wished to advance,” mentioned Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
“We now have to recognise that France is a good crew with wonderful gamers. France had the higher scoring alternatives. We lacked concepts and freshness, and we’ve to just accept this defeat.
“Right this moment France had been stronger however we’re capable of compete and progress and possibly get rid of them in 4 years’ time,” Ouahbi mentioned. Morocco are co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
For France, the main focus immediately turns to restoration and making ready for a blockbuster semi-final conflict towards both Spain or Belgium in Dallas on Tuesday night. Regardless of a late ankle scare, Mbappé stays solely targeted on driving Les Bleus to a historic third world crown.
“A mission? I don’t know however we are able to’t afford to let up,” Mbappe mentioned.
“There’s nonetheless an extended solution to go, and what lies forward is even more durable, however we’ll get well nicely.”
