EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Kylian Mbappe launched France’s FIFA World Cup campaign in record-breaking fashion, scoring twice to become his country’s all-time leading scorer and power Les Bleus to a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I action Tuesday night (Wednesday in the Philippines).
The Real Madrid star delivered when it mattered most, breaking the deadlock in the second half before sealing the win with a spectacular long-range strike in stoppage time as France overcame a determined Senegal side at MetLife Stadium.
After a scoreless opening half, France finally found the breakthrough shortly after the hour mark when Michael Olise threaded a pass to Mbappe, who calmly finished past the Senegal defense for the opening goal.
France doubled its advantage in the 79th minute through substitute Bradley Barcola, who delicately lifted the ball over Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Senegal threatened a comeback after Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back, but Mbappe extinguished any hopes of a rally with a stunning strike from around 30 yards out deep into added time.
“It’s relief. We did have some apprehension,” France coach Didier Deschamps said through a translator. “It’s always great to start with a win. It’s not decisive, but it’s good to start in that way.”
Mbappe’s two-goal performance was historic. His brace lifted him to 58 international goals, moving him past Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading scorer.
The Real Madrid star also reached 14 career World Cup goals, tying German legend Gerd Muller for third place on the tournament’s all-time scoring list. Only Brazil’s Ronaldo (15) and the joint leaders Miroslav Klose and Lionel Messi (16 each) remain ahead of him.
In another Group-stage highlight, reigning champions Argentina opened their title defense with a 2-0 win over Algeria. Messi completed the first World Cup hat trick of his illustrious career, although earlier goals by Lautaro Martinez and Algeria’s Fares Chaibi were ruled offside.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland made an emphatic World Cup debut with two goals as Norway defeated Iraq, 4-1. The Norwegians also got goals from Leo Ostigard and benefited from an own goal by Iraq’s Aymen Hussein./PN
