News Focus
- Kylian Mbappe breaks Olivier Giroud’s France scoring record with 58 international goals
- Real Madrid star scores twice in 3-1 World Cup Group I victory against Senegal
- Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye also score at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
- Les Bleus produce explosive second-half display after poor first-half performance
Kylian Mbappe has cemented his status as a French football legend. The Real Madrid forward became his country’s all-time top scorer during a 3-1 World Cup triumph against Senegal in New Jersey.
The 25-year-old surpassed Olivier Giroud’s previous record of 57 goals. He netted twice at MetLife Stadium to take his tally for Les Bleus to 58.
His first strike arrived in the second half. Michael Olise played a clever pass through the defence, and Mbappe finished calmly with one touch. His second goal was even more spectacular. During stoppage time, he unleashed a powerful long-range shot to secure the three points.
These goals also increased Mbappe’s World Cup total to 14. This achievement puts him level with German icon Gerd Muller. Only Brazil’s Ronaldo, with 15 goals, and Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who holds the record with 16, remain ahead of him.
France struggled badly during the first half. Manager Didier Deschamps named an attacking quartet of Mbappe, Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue. However, the team managed only one shot before the interval.
Senegal looked more dangerous in that period. Ismaila Sarr missed an excellent chance when he fired over the bar from close range during first-half stoppage time.
The match opened up after the break. Bradley Barcola extended France’s lead with a delicate chipped finish. Senegal substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, a young player many call the next Mbappe, then reduced the deficit.
Earlier in the game, Mbappe had been denied a penalty. Sadio Mane challenged him inside the box, but referee Alireza Faghani stuck with his original decision after checking the VAR monitor.
A crowd of 80,545 fans watched the Group I opener. France will look to build on this result as they continue their quest for World Cup glory.