Mbappe sets goal record as France beat Senegal at World Cup
Kylian Mbappe produced a match-winning performance as he led France to a 3-1 win over Senegal in their World Cup opener on Tuesday at the New Jersey Stadium, United States of America.
The 2022 runners-up laid down a marker in their first game of the tournament against one of Africa’s best teams at the mundial.
Didier Deschamps fielded a strong line up that was ably led by the record-breaking Mbappe, who was supported in the attack by Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise.
On the other hand, Saido Mane led his country out for the game alongside Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr.
The Senegalese contained France in the opening minutes of the encounter and they grew into the game but they were unable to finish their half chances.
Both sides could not break the deadlock in the first half as it ended 0-0.
However, the encounter came to life in the second half with France producing an improved performance and they deservedly went ahead in the 66th minute.
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Olise found Mbappe with a sublime pass before the Real Madrid forward produced a clinical finish past Édouard Mendy to make it 1-0.
Substitute Bradley Barcola made it 2-0 for France in the 82nd minute.
Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye reduced the deficit for Senegal in the 95th minute before Mbappe added gloss to the victory with a third goal a minute later.
It was a record setting performance for the Real Madrid, who became France’s top scorer with 58 goals, overtaking Olivier Giroud on 57.
He has now scored 14 goals in the World Cup, and he is now level with Gerd Müller with the third most goals in World Cup history.
Up next for France is a clash against Iraq on Monday while Senegal will take on Norway on Tuesday.
