What was anticipated as an epic showdown turned into a relatively straightforward quarter-final victory for France against Morocco on Thursday. The French side demonstrated little vulnerability defensively, while their offensive prowess led them to a decisive win. Captain Kylian Mbappé ignited the scoring with a spectacular goal, and Ousmane Dembélé added another, effectively extinguishing Morocco’s hopes for a comeback. France’s performance not only showcased their technical skills but also reaffirmed their status as serious contenders for the championship title.
Evaluation of the Manager
Didier Deschamps earned an 8 for his tactics and composure throughout the match. He maintained his poise without panicking and allowed his starting lineup the opportunity to break through before making any adjustments. With this match, he tied the record for the most World Cup appearances by a manager, now totaling 25 games.
Player Ratings
Goalkeeper Mike Maignan received a score of 6, as he was largely untested during the first half. While Morocco posed minimal offensive threat, he remained alert, making a crucial save against Azzedine Unahi’s awkward shot in the closing minutes.
Right-back Jules Koundé was rated a 7, showing defensively solid performances despite not being as impactful offensively as usual. His passing remained precise, and he effectively maintained a straightforward connection with the more experienced players on the pitch.
Center-back William Saliba also earned a rating of 7, initially appearing sluggish with a few misplaced passes. However, he quickly regained his focus and calmly managed the game, remaining largely untested due to Morocco’s lack of attacking threat.
Dayot Upamecano, another defensive stalwart, was rated at 7 as well. He nearly scored early on with a powerful header, only to be thwarted by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Upamecano exhibited strength and poise, although he experienced a momentary lapse in concentration during a poor clearance in the second half.
Left-back Lucas Digne stood out with an 8 for his impressive performance on the flank. He frequently contributed to the attack, forming effective partnerships on the left side of the field. Digne almost scored in the first half when his shot hit the crossbar, highlighting his offensive capabilities.
In midfield, Adrien Rabiot received a 7. He initially missed a scoring opportunity but soon found his rhythm, dominating play with excellent ball movement and winning critical duels in the midfield.
Manu Koné, filling in for the injured Aurélien Tchouaméni, also earned a 7. His strong presence in the midfield caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, especially after he executed a vital tackle against Brahim Dias that prevented a potentially dangerous Moroccan counterattack. While he experienced a slight dip in performance during the second half, his overall contribution remained solid.
Attacking midfielder Michael Orisse scored a 7 for his role in France’s attacking efforts. Although he didn’t attract much headline attention, he was instrumental in orchestrating the tempo of the game and drawing fouls, allowing the French side to maintain their rhythm in the face of Morocco’s defensive setup.
Left-winger Désirée Doué impressed with an 8, showcasing his skills and creativity throughout the match. He made notable offensive contributions, including a steal from Bouadi that forced a save from Bounou. Doué’s flick set up Mbappé for the opening goal, further establishing him as one of the standout performers for France.
On the right flank, Ousmane Dembélé received a rating of 7. Although he was less prominent for much of the match, he maintained activity and capitalized on opportunities, ultimately scoring France’s second goal.
Kylian Mbappé garnered an 8 for his dazzling performance, which included a spectacular goal that compensated for an earlier penalty miss. His game-changing abilities were on full display, as he consistently created goal-scoring opportunities and assisted Dembélé. However, concerns arose over a potential injury he sustained during the match.
Substitutions
Warren Zaïre-Emery made a short appearance but did not receive a rating. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Bradley Barcola also featured late in the match, but neither was able to leave a significant impact on the game.
