​Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui’s courageous World Cup campaign has come to a close as Morocco were eliminated by France. The Atlas Lions had hoped to echo the heroics of their 2022 run, when they stunned the world by reaching the semi-finals, but this time the dream ended against a formidable France side.
From the opening whistle, France asserted control, pressing Morocco back into their own half. A pivotal moment arose when Mazraoui brought down Kylian Mbappe in the box, earning Les Bleus a penalty and a chance to take the lead. Yet the spot-kick was delayed, and Mbappe’s penalty was ultimately saved by Yassine Bounou, who denied the Real Madrid forward. The tie would tilt in France’s favour shortly after, as Mbappe delivered a superb strike from outside the box to find the top corner just past the hour. Ousmane Dembele then added a second, sealing Morocco’s fate and consigning Mazraoui’s side to a heartbreaking exit.
In central defence, Mazraoui lined up beside Issa Diop and delivered another solid performance, underscoring the value he brings to his national team. It proved to be a strong tournament for the United star, matching his high standards against France, even if it ultimately did not alter the outcome. He contributed seven defensive actions in total, including one tackle and four clearances, and he blocked a shot while making a couple of recoveries. Mazraoui also contested two ground duels and was edged out in both aerial duels.
On the ball, the 28-year-old showcased his usual composure, recording 61 touches and distributing with accuracy. He completed 51 of his 52 attempted passes, delivering an impressive pass completion rate of 98%, and maintaining his customary ball progression and calm under pressure.
With the World Cup behind him, Mazraoui will now enjoy a few weeks of rest before returning to training with Manchester United for pre-season, looking to build on the form he displayed throughout the tournament and carry that confidence into the new campaign.
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