In Focus: Devastating Diani sets sights on Golden Boot

Kadidiatou Diani has a World Cup Golden Boot in her sights. 

The France striker has three goals to her name from three appearances in Australia and New Zealand — no player managed more than four in the group stage. 

After scoring 17 times in 17 league games for Paris Saint-Germain last season, Diani came into the World Cup on a high. 

She has continued that form on the biggest stage and will have her sights set on more goals as France face Morocco in the last 16.

Hat-trick hero

Diani, who has just sealed a move from PSG to rivals Lyon, scored a hat-trick as Les Bleues beat Panama 6-3 in their final group game. 

The 28-year-old's first goal was a smart finish from close range after a scramble in the box, while the next two came from the penalty spot. 

She has posted the highest xG (4.0) of any player at the World Cup and also has an assist to her name.

Pure joy

Diani was in the France squad for the 2015 and 2019 World Cups but failed to score in either tournament. 

That goal drought was put to rest against Panama in emphatic style. 

She said: "I'm full of joy because we've finished top of the group and we've made it to the next round. 

"Those were my first goals at the World Cup, so I'm obviously delighted but I'm also happy for the team as a whole."

High praise

Diani's international team-mate Laurina Fazer was also effusive in their praise for the hat-trick scorer. 

She said: "[Diani] was brilliant, like she is in every match. 

"I hope she'll be just as impressive for the matches we've got coming up because it's going to get increasingly difficult. She knows we need her."

More to come

Diani is off to a promising start but there is room for improvement.

She is currently underperforming her xG — with three goals from an expected total of four — and will be keenly aware of the need to be clinical in the hunt for a Golden Boot. 

Diani made no mistake from the spot against Panama but she has only netted one non-penalty goal from a non-penalty xG of 2.4. 

There are improvements to be made — but Diani is clearly finding her rhythm after a slow start to her World Cup career.

Morocco meeting

France head into the last 16 as strong favourites against World Cup debutants Morocco, who surpassed all expectations to qualify ahead of Germany in Group H. 

The Atlas Lionesses lost 6-0 to the Germans in their opening match but bounced back with 1-0 victories over South Korea and Colombia. 

Reynald Pedros' side are capable of producing dogged defensive performances, although Diani may take encouragement from the manner of their defeat to Germany. 

If Diani can continue where she left off against Panama, France can feel far more confident of reaching the last eight.