Bounou’s saves ignite Van Hooijdonk’s frenzy as France‑Morocco clash heats up

Yassine Bounou was the absolute standout for Morocco on Thursday in the quarter‑final against France in the match, stopping Kylian Mbappé’s penalty and making several first‑half saves, and also prompting praise from Nordin Amrabat, Rafael van der Vaart and Pierre van Hooijdonk.

Vandaag om 23:15 the update noted that Bounou stopped another penalty in the quarter‑final against Frankrijk and produced several spectacular first‑half saves, yet the score remained level after the half‑hour. The Moroccan keeper’s interventions were described as “great” and decisive for the team’s chances.

"Een wereldkeeper, meer kan ik er denk ik niet over zeggen," Nordin Amrabat said at half‑time for , adding that Bounou is currently the most important player for Marokko and a "geweldige keeper en een geweldige gast." The midfielder’s comments highlighted the impact of the goalkeeper’s performance.

Rafael van der Vaart agreed, calling Bounou "bizar" and "ongelofelijk," and revealed that he kept receiving messages from Pierre van Hooijdonk, who "Wordt er ook helemaal gek van" the situation. Van der Vaart’s remarks underscored the admiration from former players.

Ook Wim Kieft criticised the slow run‑up of Kylian Mbappé, saying the Fransman’s approach makes it impossible to place the ball in the corner and that a fixed corner is needed. Kieft’s analysis added another perspective on the attacking play in the France‑Marokko encounter.