France attack turns crumbs into gold, beats Morocco 2-0 to reach semifinals

A single meter was all Kylian Mbappé needed to unleash a strike from another world (60th minute). Earlier, Désiré Doué had nearly capitalized on one of the rare moments when Morocco was not attentive (35th). Later, Ousmane Dembélé greedily exploited Mbappé's run to free up space and score France's second goal (66th).

This attack needs only crumbs to feast. When the opponent begins offering a banquet—because they must attack—the threat becomes uncontrollable.

Space Proves Costly for Opponents

The French team's offensive play once again demonstrated that giving them too much space invites immediate punishment. Their first half on Thursday, like the one in the round of 16 against Paraguay (1-0, Saturday), was not fully realized. Yet each defense—Moroccan and Paraguayan—was forced to resort to double-teaming nearly every attacker. When it wasn't on Mbappé, it was on Dembélé (who still often lacked precision), on Désiré Doué, and sometimes on Michael Olise, who was more discreet on Thursday.

More Space Likely in Semifinals

The Bayern Munich offensive player did not hide, however. His controlled turn with his back to goal, which eliminated Ayyoub Bouaddi, nearly became a decisive dribble for Mbappé if the latter had not scuffed his shot (56th). His movements between the lines also failed to create the desired disruption.

Doué's movements, on the other hand, were more destabilizing. Though he lost many balls, the Parisian attacker made Achraf Hakimi suffer. Above all, it was he who set up his captain for the opening goal. Doué proved Didier Deschamps right, who had chosen to start him instead of Bradley Barcola.

Barcola Makes Impact Off the Bench

When his teammate replaced him in the 77th minute, Barcola too managed to take advantage of the depth behind a Morocco that was necessarily more offensive. He was behind two more French chances (86th, 88th), and his ability to eliminate defenders hurt Hakimi even more, worn out by what he had just endured. Between the two PSG players, the competition continues, and they are right to say it pushes them to improve.

Mixed Impression, But Reasons for Optimism

Of course, this French attack leaves this quarterfinal with a mixed impression. There is the sense of having done the job, but also that they can do even better and be more efficient. The high temperatures in Massachusetts did not help add speed to the game, but they do not explain certain inaccuracies in the final touch—such as Jean-Philippe Mateta's insufficiently powerful header at the start of stoppage time.

But since only these small details remain to be corrected, the reasons to be optimistic are rather numerous. The Blues' next opponent in the semifinals will probably not spend their entire lives in front of their penalty area.