KYLIAN MBAPPE was chopped down by a huge challenge from Sofyan Amrabat that forced him to change his boots during France’s World Cup semi-final victory over Morocco.
The reigning world champions beat the Atlas Lions 2-0 thanks to goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani.
It means they will now face Argentina in Sunday’s final as they bid to become the first nation to defend the trophy since Brazil in 1962.
And they will be relieved talisman Mbappe, 23, came away from the game unscathed following a meaty tackle from Amrabat, 26.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward turned on the speed, flying down the line to evade the sliding challenge of Achraf Dari.
It looked as though Amrabat would not get back to catch him, but he then came steaming in with a tackle to win the ball, going through Mbappe in the process.
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Mbappe was left writhing around on the floor in pain, but no foul was given and England legend Stuart Pearce loved the aggression from the Fiorentina midfielder.
Commentating for talkSPORT, Pearce said: “I tell you what, if you want to put a statement down for your country that it means more than anything for you to be out there that was it by Amarbat.
“He put the afterburners on and made a great challenge to take out Mbappe and start a counter-attack.”
Moments later, Mbappe was forced to change his left boot.
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And Pearce believed it was because Amrabat’s tackle had “shredded” his laces.
Amrabat has enjoyed a sensational tournament for Morocco and has been linked with a move to Liverpool and PSG.
He still has one more World Cup match remaining as Walid Regragui’s side take on Croatia in the third-place play-off on Saturday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
