EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. : Kylian Mbappe became France’s all-time leading scorer as his two goals helped secure a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their opening Group I match at the World Cup on Tuesday.
The France captain struck twice in the second half to move onto 58 international goals, surpassing Olivier Giroud’s previous national record and helping the 2018 champions begin their campaign with an impressive win.
Mbappe’s brace also took his World Cup tally to 14 goals, moving him past Lionel Messi and Just Fontaine and drawing level with Germany great Gerd Muller, two short of Miroslav Klose’s all-time record.
“I play to leave a mark on my country’s history and to help my team win the World Cup,” Mbappe told reporters.
“I don’t think we’re fully up and running yet. But it’s always good to start a tournament with a win. It gives you a bit more peace of mind, even though you’re never really relaxed at a World Cup.”
Despite the final scoreline, Senegal were the more dangerous side for much of the first half and created the better opportunities against a France team that struggled to find rhythm.
Nicolas Jackson nearly put Senegal ahead after a swift counter-attack, driving into the penalty area before striking the post with a low effort. The ball then rebounded off goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s heel and behind for a corner.
France dominated possession but lacked fluency, with Mbappe largely kept quiet by Senegal’s disciplined defensive structure.
Didier Deschamps’ side also survived a major scare on the stroke of halftime when Sadio Mane burst down the left flank and delivered a precise cross for Ismaila Sarr, who blazed over the bar from close range despite being unmarked.
The contest changed after the break as France’s superior quality began to tell.
Mbappe finally broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, finding space inside the area and finishing calmly to put France ahead.
Deschamps then introduced Bradley Barcola from the bench, and the substitute made an immediate impact by doubling France’s lead just two minutes after entering the match.
Senegal reduced the deficit deep into stoppage time through Ibrahim Mbaye, briefly raising hopes of a dramatic finish.
Those hopes were extinguished almost immediately when Mbappe produced a stunning strike from outside the penalty area to restore France’s two-goal advantage and seal the victory while simultaneously setting a new national scoring record.
The result gives France an ideal start in their pursuit of a third World Cup title, while Senegal are left to reflect on missed opportunities after an encouraging first-half performance yielded no reward.
