Mbappe and Dembele fire France past Morocco and into World Cup semi-finals

Didier Deschamps' side started brightly and almost took the lead inside the opening minutes. Morocco goalkeeper Bono reacted well to push Mbappe's low effort around the post before making another important save from Dayot Upamecano's header following the resulting corner.

Morocco gradually settled into the contest, defending in numbers and limiting the space available for France's dangerous attack. Their disciplined approach frustrated the French for much of the first half.

However, France were handed a golden opportunity to go ahead when Noussair Mazraoui brought down Mbappe inside the penalty area after the forward burst into the box. 

Following a lengthy delay before the kick was taken, Bono stood firm, reading Mbappe's stuttering run-up before comfortably saving the penalty.

France continued to push forward before the break and came close again when Lucas Digne's ambitious long-range strike crashed against the woodwork, leaving the teams level at half-time.

The breakthrough finally arrived just after the hour mark. Mbappe quickly put his penalty disappointment behind him by producing a superb finish from the edge of the area. 

Using Issa Diop as a screen, the Real Madrid forward curled an excellent shot beyond Bono and into the far corner for his 20th FIFA World Cup goal.

With Morocco forced to chase the game, France found more space on the counter-attack and doubled their advantage soon afterwards. 

Mbappe's clever movement drew defenders away, allowing Ousmane Dembele to run into the space and fire a low shot past Bono to effectively end Morocco's hopes of another famous comeback.

Morocco threatened briefly in the closing stages, but Mike Maignan and the French defence remained composed to record a third successive clean sheet.

The victory sends France into the World Cup semi-finals, where they will face either Spain or Belgium as they continue their bid to reach a third successive World Cup final. 

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