Marketed as a monumental showdown, France’s quarterfinal match against Morocco in the World Cup saw the French side comfortably secure victory with minimal challenges on the defensive end.
In fact, the French defense was hardly tested as their talented roster showcased their ability to dominate. Captain Kylian Mbappé created a stunning moment that led to the first goal, followed by an additional strike from Ousmane Dembélé that effectively extinguished Morocco’s hopes of a comeback. France appeared to be operating in cruise control, reinforcing their status as strong contenders to reclaim the trophy.
Here’s a recap of the performance from the 2022 World Cup runners-up.
Manager Rating (out of 10)
Didier Deschamps: 8 — He remained calm throughout the match, allowing his starting players to navigate the game before making timely substitutions. He has now matched the record for the most World Cup appearances by a manager with 25.
Player Ratings (1-10; 10 = best, 5 = average)
GK Mike Maignan, 6 — Had little to do in the first half as Morocco posed minimal attacking threat, remaining largely a bystander. He did, however, have to stay alert for a tricky shot from Azzedine Ounahi late in the game.
RB Jules Koundé, 7 — While not as impactful in attack as usual, he maintained solid defensive organization, connecting well with more advanced teammates through efficient passing.
CB William Saliba, 7 — Initially looked unsettled with a couple of misplaced passes, but quickly regained composure and effectively commanded the defense without facing significant threats.
CB Dayot Upamecano, 7 — Nearly scored early on with a powerful header but was foiled by goalkeeper Bounou. Other than one minor lapse, he was solid throughout.
LB Lucas Digne, 8 — Impressive on the left side, he frequently linked up with Doué, creating overloads and looked to contribute to attacking plays. He nearly found the net when his shot hit the crossbar.
CM Adrien Rabiot, 7 — Faced early scrutiny after a close call but rebounded well, dominating in midfield as he consistently won battles and transitioned the ball effectively.
CM Manu Koné, 7 — Stepping in for the injured Aurélien Tchouaméni, he impressed with his strong and intelligent play in midfield. He made a vital tackle on Brahim Díaz during the first half that neutralized a potential threat. His performance suggests he could retain his starting slot in the semifinal.
AM Michael Olise, 7 — While he may not have been at his most spectacular, he played a significant role in France’s attacking efforts, exhibiting skill and facilitating momentum during defensive phases for Morocco.
LW Désiré Doué, 8 — Outstanding in the first half, he consistently attempted to execute his signature runs. He forced Bounou into a crucial save and set up Mbappé’s opener with a clever flick. Doué showcased flair and creativity throughout the match, making a strong case for being France’s best player.
RW Ousmane Dembélé, 7 — He seemed somewhat anonymous during much of the match with most of the creative efforts coming from Doué and Mbappé. Nevertheless, he remained active and finished decisively for the second goal that sealed the win.
ST Kylian Mbappé, 8 — After a missed penalty, he redeemed himself with a sensational goal that highlighted his skill. Always involved and a threat to the opposition, he not only scored but also assisted Dembélé. While his apparent injury towards the end of the match raises concerns, his overall impact was substantial.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)
CM Warren Zaïre-Emery NR — Played simply when he came on.
ST Jean-Philippe Mateta NR — Tried to make an impact offensively and had a shot saved by Bounou.
LW Bradley Barcola NR — Saw limited action with minimal impact on the game.