Kylian Mbappe became France’s all-time leading scorer as his two goals secured a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Les Bleus’ Group I World Cup opener in New Jersey.
The Real Madrid forward first equalled Olivier Giroud’s record of 57 by finishing a defence-splitting pass from Michael Olise in the 66th minute. He then completed a late, spectacular long-range strike in stoppage time to move clear on 58 international goals.
Mbappe also now has 14 World Cup goals, drawing level with Germany great Gerd Muller in the all-time World Cup scorers list and sitting behind Brazil’s Ronaldo (15) and Miroslav Klose (16).
France had a poor first half, managing only one shot despite Didier Deschamps naming an attacking front four of Mbappe, Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue. Senegal looked the more dangerous side early on and squandered several openings, most notably Ismaila Sarr firing over from six yards in first-half stoppage time.
The match turned in the second half. Mbappe was controversially denied a penalty after a challenge from Sadio Mane; referee Alireza Faghani consulted the monitor but stood by his on-field decision. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was also forced into important saves to keep his side in the game.
France finally broke the deadlock when Mbappe tucked away Olise’s precise pass. With the game seemingly under control, Bradley Barcola doubled the lead in the 82nd minute, calmly chipping home after a slick assist from Adrien Rabiot.
Senegal mounted a late rally when substitute Ibrahim Mbaye produced a fine individual effort to make it 2-1 in the fifth minute of added time. Mbappe answered almost immediately, smashing home a superb long-range finish a minute later to restore the two-goal cushion and seal the win.
The result gives France a winning start to their Group I campaign in a game that showcased both Mbappe’s match-winning quality and his record-breaking career milestone. Senegal will rue their missed chances, while France will take heart from their clinical second-half display as the tournament progresses.