BOSTON: Two-time FIFA World Cup champions France secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Morocco on Friday to become the first team to book a place in the tournament's semi-finals.

France dominated possession from the opening whistle and created several scoring opportunities throughout the first half. Despite their attacking intent, the teams went into the break level after Morocco's defense and goalkeeper successfully denied the French forwards.

France was awarded a penalty during the first half after captain Kylian Mbappé was brought down inside the penalty area. However, Morocco's goalkeeper produced an impressive save to keep the score goalless.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 60th minute when Mbappé found the back of the net to give France a deserved lead. Just six minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé doubled the advantage with a well-taken finish, putting the defending champions firmly in control of the contest.

Morocco attempted to stage a comeback in the closing stages and earned a dangerous free kick in the 82nd minute, but the French goalkeeper made another crucial save. The North African side also created another late chance, but failed to convert as France comfortably saw out the match.

The victory sends France into the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, keeping alive their hopes of winning a third world title after lifting the trophy in 1998 and 2018. France also reached the 2022 final but finished runners-up after losing to Argentina.

Morocco, meanwhile, once again demonstrated its growing strength on the world stage. The Atlas Lions had previously enjoyed a historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African nation to reach the last four before eventually finishing fourth.