France v Morocco - World Cup result as Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele strike to give dominant Les Blues quarter-final victory in Boston

Slick France coasted into their third successive World Cup semi-final as second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele sealed a one-sided 2-0 quarter-final victory over Morocco in Boston.

Les Blues were frustrated by well-drilled opponents in the first half and Mbappe saw a weak penalty saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou after the Real Madrid forward had been felled by Noussair Mazraoui on 27 minutes.

An inexplicable delay of over three minutes did not help Mbappe before the penalty, but Didier Deschamps' men refused to panic on their way to securing a meeting with Spain or Belgium in Dallas on Tuesday night.

Mbappe netted his eighth goal of the finals to move alongside Lionel Messi as top scorer when he accepted a Desire Doue pass before swivelling to send a majestic finish flying into the corner of the net from the edge of the box on the hour mark.

Morocco appealed in vain for a possible handball against Adrien Rabiot in the build-up to the opener, but VAR refused to get involved.

And it was Mbappe's run off the ball that enabled Dembele to sweep home the second six minutes later with Bounou failing to react quickly enough diving to his left.

In truth, Morocco, who lost 2-0 to France in the last four in 2022, were fortunate not to ship a third goal with their lack of attacking threat all too obvious.

Indeed, France goalkeeper Mike Maignan made only one save in the 85th minute to nudge away a hopeful shot by Azzedine Ounahi as the tournament favourites moved within two wins of a third World Cup triumph.

Mbappe was also replaced by Jean Philippe Mateta late on in what appeared to be a precautionary move before the semi-finals.

The match ends with Olise missing the target before the whistle sounds. France probably won this quarter-final in second gear. Which tells you everything you need to know. Not brilliant, but very good. And it is a semi-final against Spain or Belgium to come in Dallas on Tuesday night.

Bounou doing just enough to prevent France sub Mateta from finding the net. Very strong, purposeful play, but just lacked the power on the shot. And keeper blocked with his legs.

Which feels like a form of purgatory for Morocco after a one-sided dust-up. The upset never seemed on. 2-0 at the last World Cup semi-finals, now looks like 2-0 in this year's quarter-finals.

Barcola is a serious speed merchant. Drives his way towards the Morocco box with Bounou making the stop before Mateta heads over under pressure from the goalkeeper via the corner.

Olise clips a shot well over the bar seconds after Sbai replaced Talbi. Almost a done deal for the French juggernaut.

Hakimi opting to go short to the talented Ounahi, but his hit from distance is well blocked by Maignan diving to his right. Hakimi with the corner, but header by El Aynaoui finds the side netting.

France are good enough to keep the ball for the rest of this match. Rabiot penalised for a late one on Hakimi. Free-kick chance.

Bradley Barcola has replaced Desire Doue for what suddenly appears to be a stroll in the evening sunshine.

Which might be a bit of a concern. Gives a wave to the large French following inside the ground. Doesn't look like he is too concerned as he is replaced by Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Brahim Díaz is off and Gessime Yassine is on and Anass Salah-Eddine departs to be replaced by Zakaria El Ouahdi. A last throw of the dice.

Upamecano shanks at an attempted clearance over his own bar. That could have gone anywhere. Corner comes to nothing. Maignan yet to make a save in the France goal. Which sums it all up.

That first Mbappe goal will live long in the memory. Eight goals now at this World Cup. On a mission to deliver the big one for his nation.

Manu Koné is off and Warren Zaïre-Emery is on. Morocco will have to throw caution to the wind here.

Let's not try to cut this any way. Morocco have been totally outclassed. France deserve this two-goal lead. No doubt.

Two goals in six minutes, and that looks like being game, set and match for Les Blues. Ousmane Dembele plants a finish into the corner of the net after brilliant off the ball work by Mbappe. So slick. So good.