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Kylian Mbappe became France’s all-time top scorer as his sensational double earned Les Bleus a 3-1 win over Senegal in their Group I World Cup opener in New Jersey.
After equaling Olivier Giroud’s record of 57 goals with a first-time finish from Michael Ollis’ defence-splitting pass in the second half, the Real Madrid forward became outright top scorer on 58 with a thrilling long-range finish in stoppage time.
Mbappe has moved to 14 goals at the World Cup, tying him on the all-time scoring list with Germany legend Gard Müller and overtaking Ronaldo, who scored 15 goals for Brazil, and Miroslav Klose, who scored a total of 16 goals for Germany.
Mbappe’s stunning second goal came just two minutes after Senegal substitute Ibrahim Mbappe, a young player regarded as the next Mbappe, pulled one back after a fine, chip finish by Bradley Barkola for France’s second.
Kylian Mbappe’s double made it 58 goals for France
Earlier, Mbappe was controversially denied a penalty following a challenge by Sadio Mane after referee Alireza Faghni stuck to his on-field decision despite being sent to a monitor by VAR.
Faghni appeared to be gesturing towards the spot when announcing his decision but was in fact gesturing for a goal kick, with Mbappe believed to have initiated contact with Mane.
France’s explosive second-half performance came after a dreadful first-half display in which they managed just one shot despite head coach Didier Deschamps naming Mbappe, Olisse, Ousmane Dembele and Desiree Douy up front.
Senegal looked the more dangerous side in the period but came to rue their missed chances, with Ismaila Sar the main culprit firing over from six yards out in first-half stoppage time.
France and Mbappe in particular have paid them off.
New Jersey Moments…
- 25: Nicholas Jackson gives France a scare as he hits the post
- 45+6: Sar gives Senegal a great chance from six yards out
- 53: Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy makes a save from Ollis
- 57: Mendy is called into action again to deny Mbappe
- 61: No penalty! Despite being sent to the monitor, the referee denied Mbappe a spot kick, deeming the forward to have initiated contact with Senegal’s Mane.
- 66 Goal! Ollis’ excellent pass was tapped in by Mbappe for the opener
- 82: Goal! Barcola ran onto Adrien Rabiot’s pass and finished calmly
- 90+5: Goal! Mbaye pulled one back with a great individual goal
- 90+6: Goal! Mbappe lashes home a brilliant effort for his second
Analysis: History maker Mbappe proves his point
Mbappe’s first-half performance provided ammunition for his critics. The touch went astray. Opportunity passed him by. Maneuvers have broken down around him.
But Wayne Rooney, a man who knows a thing or two about the pressure of leading the line at the top level, was quick to defend him at the break. “I don’t think Mbappe is the problem,” he said BBC. “I know he didn’t have a good half but as a center forward you always get a chance to redeem yourself.”
Kylian Mbappe celebrates his second goal against Senegal
Mbappe did that and more.
Aided by excellent Ollis service, the 27-year-old led a converted performance from the two-time winners in the second half, which was denied by Edouard Mendy and then the referee, before his breakthrough finally came.
His first goal was brilliantly taken, finishing first when many others could have touched down. His second was almost impossibly good, a ferocious drive from about 30 yards out, struck with the ferocity of a man on a mission to prove a point.
Kylian Mbappe tops the rankings in all important offensive metrics
His defensive execution was the dominant talking point before the game. He comes into the tournament on the back of a season in which millions of Real Madrid fans signed a petition to sell him. But it’s a reminder of Mbappe’s genius.
A top scorer in consecutive World Cups is now a good bet to finish third and in the process become the leading scorer in the competition’s 96-year history. Continue at this rate and he’ll make it before the knockout.
Mbappe: I play to make history
On breaking France’s goalscoring record, Mbappe said: “I play to make my mark in my country’s history, so that my team can reach the final and win the World Cup. The rest will just be who I am and part of my career.
On the win, he added: “It gives us a bit more peace of mind, although you don’t really relax at the World Cup.
“We’ve seen it with other teams – it’s never easy to win. It wasn’t easy today, but we know we’re capable of scoring at any moment.
“We have to stay calm and composed, stick to what we have to do, because everything happens very quickly in the World Cup. Now our focus turns to the match against Iraq.”
