Mbappe shines in penalty redemption as France breeze past Morocco

Mbappe's initial spot-kick fell flat when Yassine Bounou saved his tame effort after a lengthy delay in the 28th minute. The France captain had no such trouble later, converting smartly in the 60th minute before setting up Ousmane Dembele for the second six minutes later to settle the contest at Boston Stadium in front of 63,811.

Morocco, hampered by injuries including Ismael Saibari's absence, offered limited resistance in attack. Dayot Upamecano and Desire Doue squandered early openings for France, whilst Lucas Digne's swerving effort clipped the crossbar. But according to Sky Sports, the outcome never looked truly uncertain.

Didier Deschamps' side will face either Spain or Belgium in the last four. For Mbappe, this was his eighth goal of the tournament, alongside three assists—he departed late with what he later described as a minor ankle issue but appeared unaffected after the final whistle.

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledged the gap in quality but took solace in his team's representation of nations beyond their borders, pledging renewed focus ahead. France's efficiency proved the difference; they rarely needed to move through the gears.