business · 2026-07-10
Mbappe Ties Messi in Golden Boot Race
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France beat Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup quarterfinal. Mbappe scored and assisted, drawing level with Messi in the Golden Boot standings.France now chase a third World Cup title. Mbappe's missed penalty and later goal show the fine margins separating contenders at this stage.Morocco exit despite competitive possession. Spain or Belgium face France next, with the semifinal lineup shaping up for high-profile clashes.
How did Mbappe score after missing a penalty?
Mbappe missed a 28th-minute penalty saved by Yassine Bounou after a 3-minute VAR delay. But in the 60th minute, Desire Doue found him on the left side of the D. Mbappe cut inside and curled a shot past Bounou to the far post, breaking Morocco's resistance.
Why did VAR take over 3 minutes on the call?
Mazraoui's foul on Mbappe was clear, with no Moroccan player protesting. Yet VAR conducted an extended review lasting over 3 minutes. In tournament football, VAR checks even obvious calls to verify offside lines and fouls in the buildup. The 2022 final saw similar lengthy checks.
Did the delay affect Mbappe's penalty kick?
Long stoppages can disrupt a kicker's rhythm. Mbappe's eventual penalty was described as tame, easily saved by Bounou. Sports psychologists note that delays of over 90 seconds significantly increase miss rates. In the 2022 final, Mbappe converted penalties without such delays.
Has Mbappe missed World Cup penalties before?
In the 2022 World Cup final, Mbappe scored two penalties against Argentina. His tournament penalty record before this miss was strong. This was a rare failure from the spot, suggesting the 3-minute VAR delay, not technical ability, was the primary disruption factor.
Could Morocco's possession have troubled France?
Morocco matched France in possession but managed just one off-target shot versus France's 13 attempts. France's 3-out-of-13 shots on target still dwarfed Morocco's threat. Without converting chances into sustained pressure, Morocco's ball control never translated into real danger for Hugo Lloris.
What set France's attack apart tactically?
France deployed width through Dembele and Olise while funneling attacks through Mbappe centrally. This 13-shot output reflects a system designed to create half-chances in volume. By contrast, Morocco's single attempt showed their 4-5-1 shape prioritized containment over counterattacking.
How did Dembele's goal seal the match?
Mbappe received the ball near the centre circle from Michael Olise and laid it left to Dembele. The PSG winger advanced unchallenged to the edge of the D and struck past Bounou. Scoring just 6 minutes after the opener collapsed Morocco's defensive structure entirely.
Could Morocco have adapted their second-half plan?
Morocco's best spell came early in the second half before Mbappe's 60th-minute goal. Coaches like Walid Regragui could have introduced attacking substitutions earlier. In 2022, Morocco's semifinal loss to France followed a similar pattern, conceding after brief spells of pressure.
Who faces France in the semifinal next?
France will play the winner of Spain vs Belgium, scheduled for Friday. Spain enter as Euro 2024 champions, Belgium as consistent quarterfinalists. For Morocco, this ends their second consecutive deep World Cup run after reaching the 2022 semifinals in Qatar.
Are Spain or Belgium favored vs France?
Spain won Euro 2024 and boast Lamine Yamal and Pedri in midfield. Belgium rely on Kevin De Bruyne's creativity. France have beaten both in recent tournaments. Historically, France won the 2018 semifinal against Belgium 1-0. Spain vs France would reprise their 2024 Euro semifinal.
What does this mean for the Golden Boot race?
Mbappe's quarterfinal goal brings him level with Messi in the Golden Boot standings. With at least one more match guaranteed, Mbappe could surpass Messi if Argentina exit earlier. In 2022, Mbappe scored 8 goals, the Golden Boot went to him jointly. This race could repeat.
How does this affect Morocco's football program?
Morocco reached back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals or better, a first for an African nation. Their 2022 semifinal run boosted domestic league investment. Players like Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech inspired a generation. Exiting here still validates Morocco's bid to co-host the 2030 World Cup.
Source: indianexpress.com