Maignan and Rabiot Step Up as France Edge Morocco to Reach World Cup Semifinals

Maignan and Rabiot Step Up as France Edge Morocco to Reach World Cup Semifinals

FolioPitch.com – 11 July 2026 | Maignan and Rabiot do their bit as France reach World Cup semis with win over Morocco, delivering steady performances that helped Les Bleus secure a 2-0 victory over Morocco and book their place in the last four. The AC Milan duo started and played the full 90 minutes at Al Bayt Stadium, contributing to a disciplined team effort that overcame a spirited Moroccan side.

France took control in the second half after a goalless first period. Kylian Mbappe, who had earlier missed a penalty, opened the scoring with a composed finish, and Ousmane Dembele doubled the lead shortly after. Despite late pressure from Morocco, France held firm to advance.

Mike Maignan, the French goalkeeper, had a relatively quiet night but remained alert when called upon. He made one save and one high claim, completing 13 of 18 passes and 2 of 7 long balls. While his distribution was not at its best, his positioning and handling were secure. GOAL rated him a 6 out of 10, noting he was quite literally a spectator as Morocco failed to test him throughout but stayed alert to make a late save. DAZN gave him a 6.5, highlighting that he was rarely tested; made one save from Ounahi’s late strike.

Adrien Rabiot, meanwhile, was tidy in midfield. The French international completed 46 of 49 passes, including all 16 in his own half. He had 64 touches, completed one dribble, and contributed defensively with three clearances, three interceptions, and four recoveries. He won 3 of 6 ground duels and both aerial duels. DAZN awarded Rabiot a 6.9, stating he controlled the tempo; broke up Moroccan attacks with smart recoveries. GOAL gave him the same rating as Maignan, noting he passed well enough and did his defensive duties but struggled to have an attacking influence on proceedings.

Both players have been integral to France’s campaign, and their performances in this match underscore their value. Their presence in the semifinals also briefly delays their availability for AC Milan’s upcoming fixtures, but manager Ruben Amorim will be pleased to see his key men thriving on the biggest stage.

In a match where many expected Morocco to cause an upset, Maignan and Rabiot do their bit as France reach World Cup semis with win over Morocco. Their solid displays, combining defensive reliability and midfield composure, were exactly what France needed to neutralize Morocco’s counterattacks.

As France prepare for a semifinal clash, likely against England or Portugal, the contributions of Maignan and Rabiot will be crucial. With the keyword phrase Maignan and Rabiot do their bit as France reach World Cup semis with win over Morocco echoing through the tournament, the duo has proven their worth on the international stage.

This victory also highlights the depth of French football, with players from various clubs stepping up. For AC Milan fans, seeing their players succeed at the World Cup is a source of pride. While the focus remains on France’s quest for a second consecutive title, the individual efforts of Maignan and Rabiot cannot be overlooked.

Ultimately, Maignan and Rabiot do their bit as France reach World Cup semis with win over Morocco, and their partnership will be key in the matches ahead. France now look forward to a semifinal berth, carrying momentum and a defense that has conceded only once in the tournament so far.

Ahonui Stanford Damar somehow turned a literature degree into a career writing news—maybe because fiction and breaking news both require a healthy dose of imagination. Based in Tangerang since 2011, he balances his journalistic cyn

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