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This summer’s World Cup has been one of the most interesting on the pitch in recent memory. Not because of the party. Because of two men.
We can all admit that elite European football has become very tactical in recent years. Systems rule over individual moments. Rigidity overrides creative freedom, stunning strikes replaced by methodically constructed tap-ins.
That’s not to say it isn’t inaccurate or entertaining. But the narrative developing between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe and the battle of their talents makes this World Cup a must-see. And deservedly so.
Eight goals for two top scorers in World Cup history is special in itself. Yet the way they go back and forth like boxers trading shots adds a whole other level to it.
June 16. Mbappe scores twice in France’s opening match against Senegal. June 17. Messi returns with a hat-trick against Jordan. On June 22, Messi went first and scored a double, but hours later Mbappe scored two of his own. And so on and so forth until we’re here.
These aren’t just jabs being landed. They are haymakers in the form of goals and moments of magic, but not enough to leave others in the dust.
Mbappe’s latest reaction against Morocco was made all the more remarkable by how eerily similar it was to Messi’s last display. The goalkeeper dived low to his left after missing a penalty in the first half, before finding a goal in the second which proved crucial in the progression.
Mbappe opened the scoring for France after returning from a penalty miss
A case in point: “Anything you can do, I can do better.” It’s a ping pong battle that could have the most dramatic finish on the grandest stage.
We saw four years ago. Even though Mbappe scored a hat trick, Messi took the trophy. It wasn’t about Argentina or France then. Actually, it will be less about them now.
This will be Messi’s last World Cup. He is Mr. World Cup. Regardless of whether he retains the crown, the mantle he holds will pass to Mbappe. The French will come out on top at the end of this tournament and take it away from him. Both jointly and individually.
In 1966 Charlton v. Beckenbauer. Ronaldo vs Zidane in 1998. Proof that other great individual battles existed at the World Cup. But no one like this. Nothing like neck and neck like what we are witnessing here.
The question is, who will knock out?
Keane: Mbappe is in charge of every situation
Sky Sports’ Roy Keane has been among Mbappe’s admirers throughout this summer’s tournament. The Irishman lashed out at the Real Madrid star after the win over Morocco, claiming he is ‘in charge of every situation’ he finds himself on the pitch.
“Great players dictate what they’re going to do,” Keane said ITV Sport.
“I can criticize the defenders but they are afraid that he can spin them and run back so the defenders don’t know what to do. Mbappe is in charge of every situation.”
“There are a lot of good players out there who are quick but these guys are like lightning. So defenders have to make a decision instantly and it’s not always going to be right.
“They’re electric. You don’t catch these guys. As soon as the defenders start pushing and trying to get back into the game, they leave spaces and the French guys with their speed – it’s a joyous day for them. You can’t do anything about speed. If they’re electrifying like that, you can’t do anything about it.”
Keane also jumped to Mbappe’s defense for one of the low moments of the night – his penalty miss.
Kylian Mbappe was denied from the penalty spot after a long delay waiting for the kick to be taken.
The forward’s effort was a volley which Yassin Bounu comfortably held to his left. However, Morocco’s protest over a possible handball in the build-up meant Mbappe had to wait a total of three minutes and ten seconds between winning and taking the penalty.
“It’s unfair. It’s unfair for him to wait more than three minutes,” claimed Keane at half-time.
“It’s a stressful situation. Why is he waiting more than three minutes? It’s unfair even for world-class players. Time is the enemy for a striker and it gives the advantage back to the goalkeeper. It’s not right.”
Highlights from Boston
25 – Penalty! Mazraowi jumped Mbappe to concede the penalty.
28 – Penalty missed! Mbappe’s quick spot-kick was saved by Bono.
35 – Save! The shot was saved even though it was scattered by Bouddi Dou.
45+2 –Time! Digni’s shot from distance hits the crossbar.
60 – Goal! Mbappe found the far corner to fire France in front.
66 – Goal! Dembele’s shot beat Bono to double the lead.
76 – Sub! After landing, Mbappe left unharmed.
