France Is Building a Dynasty — and That Hurts Brazilian Fans More Than They'll Admit
France beat Morocco 2–0 to reach a third straight semi-final. Mbappé draws level with Messi on goals. And the comparison with the Brazil that never was cuts deep.
There's a feeling that won't leave the mind of anyone following this World Cup: France seems to be winning the tournament while saving itself for the next one. The 2–0 victory over Morocco in the quarter-finals was yet another demonstration of that — low flame until it's time to turn up the heat, and done.
The result sent les Bleus to a third consecutive World Cup semi-final for the first time in history. At this rate, we are witnessing the construction of a period of dominance in international football.
And then the comparison arrives — inevitable and painful. An Argentine friend put it perfectly: "today's France is what we all thought Brazil twenty years ago would be forever". Spot on. And bitter.
At the centre of everything, Kylian Mbappé. He missed a penalty — Bono dived to the corner to save it — but made amends with a stunning goal and moved to eight goals at this World Cup, level with Messi. In the all-time list, the Argentine still leads with 21 against the Frenchman's 20. The chase is real and far from over.
Flamengo manager Leonardo Jardim, who launched Mbappé at Monaco at the age of 16, made no secret of his allegiance: "I'll be supporting France all the way to the final", he said, citing his friendship with Deschamps and his affection for the star he helped shape.
Meanwhile, Morocco bow out with dignity. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi was honest: "we are disappointed, but we will keep the winning mentality". It makes sense — the squad is young, Hakimi is 27, and in 2030 the country will be a host nation. The project is not over, only postponed.
The Golmetria model gives Spain a 29% chance of lifting the trophy against France's 15% — but anyone who has watched France's recent matches knows that no number can capture what that team conveys on the pitch. In the semi-final, les Bleus face the winner of Spain vs Belgium.
Brazil are already out. France march on. And the pain of knowing what we could have been isn't going away any time soon.