The Daily Star of the FIFA World Cup has been selected by all of AFers' votes. In today’s quarterfinal clash, Kylian Mbappé recovered from an early penalty miss to deliver a goal and an assist, leading France to a comfortable 2–0 victory over Morocco and earning the AF Player of the Day award.

In the 25th minute, Mbappé was brought down inside the penalty area by Noussair Mazraoui. However, his trademark stutter-step penalty lacked power and placement, allowing Yassine Bounou to make the save. Despite the setback, it was Mbappé who eventually broke the deadlock for France. In the 60th minute, he curled a magnificent strike from the edge of the box into the far corner. Just six minutes later, he turned provider, setting up Ousmane Dembélé for a composed finish to complete a goal-and-assist performance.

France ultimately secured a comfortable 2–0 win over Morocco and advanced to the FIFA World Cup semifinals.

Mbappé was named the Official Player of the Match. With eight goals at this World Cup, he has drawn level with Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings while also matching his tally from the previous tournament. In doing so, he became the first player in World Cup history to score eight or more goals in two separate editions of the competition. Across three World Cups, Mbappé has now scored 20 goals in 20 appearances, maintaining an extraordinary average of one goal per game.

The two attacking players alongside him have also been in outstanding form. Dembélé has scored five goals in his last five matches, while the French front three of Mbappé, Dembélé, and Michael Olise have combined for 13 goals and 10 assists at this World Cup, forming France’s most lethal weapon in their pursuit of another world title.

Mbappé's Match Statistics

Goals: 1

Assists: 1

Shots: 4

Shots on Target: 2

Key Passes: 4

Ground Duels Won: 3

Penalties Missed: 1