Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France defeated Senegal 3-1 in their World Cup Group I clash on Tuesday, a result highlighted by the French captain becoming his country’s all-time leading goal scorer.
Despite a strong first-half display from Senegal, France took control after the break, with Mbappé leading a decisive attacking surge that secured a comfortable victory for the two-time world champions.
Mbappé makes history
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 66th minute with a composed finish after a well-worked attacking move, before sealing the result in stoppage time with a powerful long-range strike.
His second goal took his France tally to 58 goals, surpassing Olivier Giroud to become the national team’s highest-ever scorer.
The brace also moved him to 14 World Cup goals, placing him alongside Germany’s Gerd Müller and just behind record holder Miroslav Klose.
“I play to leave a mark on my country’s history and to help my team win the World Cup,” Mbappé said after the match.
Senegal began the match with greater intensity and created several early chances, including a powerful effort from Nicolas Jackson that struck the post following a quick counterattack.
Ismaïla Sarr also missed a clear opportunity just before half-time, firing over from close range after a pinpoint cross from Sadio Mané.
France, meanwhile, struggled for rhythm in the opening 45 minutes, with Mbappé largely isolated and midfield control split between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot.
Second-half turnaround
France looked sharper after the restart, with increased intensity and better attacking structure.
A controversial moment arrived in the 58th minute when Sadio Mané challenged Mbappé inside the penalty area. VAR reviewed the incident but the referee decided against awarding a penalty.
France finally broke through when Michael Olise delivered a precise through ball for Mbappé, who finished clinically to give his side the lead.
Substitute Bradley Barcola doubled France’s advantage just minutes after coming on, latching onto a through pass from Rabiot and calmly chipping the goalkeeper.
Senegal pulled one back in stoppage time through Ibrahim Mbaye, who produced a brilliant solo effort to beat Théo Hernandez and fire into the top corner.
However, Mbappé had the final word, scoring a spectacular second goal from distance to seal a 3-1 victory for France.
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