FRANCE 3-1 SENEGAL: Kylian Mbappe came up trumps on opening night for Les Blues as the Real Madrid striker brushed off penalty frustration to score a World Cup brace
Kylian Mbappe scored France’s winner in New York
France opened their World Cup with a win as Kylian Mbappe ensured their below par first-half didn’t cost them against Senegal.
Les Blues are seeking to reach a third successive final but didn’t have things all their own way against the African nation, who are among the dark horses in North America. France boasted one of the best attacking lines across the globe as Mbappe, Ousmane Demebe, Michael Olise and Desire Doue were tasked translating their club form to the international stage.
But Senegal, who are fighting in court to ensure they can lay claim to being champions of Africa, proved they will be a problem for as long as they remain at the World Cup, even if Mbappe’s two goals in the second-half did ultimately define the game.
Nicolas Jackson tried to take advantage of a high France defensive line as he raced onto a ball over the top, composing himself before firing a shot that hit the post and Mike Maignan, but trickled out of play and not into the back of the net.
Senegal will feel even more aggrieved that they didn’t take a lead into the dressing room at half-time with Ismaila Sarr missing a golden chance as he saw his effort from six yards fly over the bar, when it seemed harder to miss the target.
France certainly woke up in the second-half and Michael Olise was denied by Edouard Mendy. Kylian Mbappe was then involved in one of the game’s flashpoints, going down under a lunge from Senegal’s Sadio Mane. The referee waved away the appeals, but VAR advised he look at the screen, only for the official to stun the MetLife Stadium by sticking to his original decision.
The Real Madrid man could not be repelled forever and the Golden Boot winner from 2022 made a sensational run across the box to finish first time.
Jackson thought he’d equaliser for the African nation only minutes later. The Senegal frontman finished with venom as he hammered home a volley from an acute angle, but the offside flag would deny him.
France were able to turn to their bench to see out the match as PSG ace Bradley Barcola produced a composed finish to double the Les Blues lead – which would prove crucial as Senegal pulled one back in stoppage time.
Ibrahim Mbaye, the PSG teenager, score a stunning solo goal to breath hope into Senegal’s efforts – only for Mbappe to score his second within seconds of the restart. The former Parisian scoring from range to restore France’s two-goal lead. Here’s five talking points from New York as France begin their World Cup with a win.
1. Irresistible Mbappe
Only minutes after the 2018 World Cup winner was denied a penalty, he put his difficult night behind him to get France’s campaign underway. The ex-PSG man had struggled for cutting edge in the final third, but showcased his speed to open the scoring.
The World Cup stage has often bought the best out of the 27-year-old, who has only played in finals across his two appearances at the tournament. Mbappe’s strike also bought him level with Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time top scorer. He only needed stoppage time to mark himself out on his own – and did so in impressive fashion.
2. Referee stands firm
If the name Alireza Faghani was relatively unknown on Tuesday morning, it certainly wasn’t come the evening. Premier League viewers will know that a referee heading to the screen always results in him changing his original decision.
That was what the entire crown in New York expected to happen when the Australian was advised to take another look at Mane’s challenge on Mbappe. After doing so he pointed towards the final third, which looked to be directed at the penalty spot, but it was instead signalling the corner he had originally given. Faghani stating that Mbappe had initiated the contact – a hugely contentious call.
3. Two sides of France
France were as underwhelming as the likes of Spain and France after the first 45 minutes. They looked set to continue the trend of favourites who failed to get anywhere their best in their opening games – Spain, the Brazilians and Belgium couldn’t even start their tournaments with a win.
Didier Deschamps is not known for sticking a rocket up his team during team talks, but he must’ve done something that had a similar impact. Les Blues looked a different outfit in the second-half – showing incredible speed, intent, movement and a depth of squad that has long been their strongest asset.
4. Timeless Mane
For the best part of a decade Mane has been the Senegalese talisman. The ex-Liverpool man was in his absolute pomp when he was at Anfield, where he combined pace, skill and aggression to form one of Europe’s great forward lines.
That energy, the endless runs, the seemingly inhumane capacity to just keep going was what made him such an elite player. His work rate sat alongside his quality – and that is the Senegal way. But with their main man in attack now 34 and playing outside of Europe, questions have to be asked over just how long Mane can be asked to play like he did 10 years ago. He’s giving it a good go, but if Senegal want to go far at this tournament then managing their elite players has to be considered.
5. A fixture full of nostalgia
24 years ago France rocked up to a World Cup as borderline royalty following their successes of 1998 and 2000, but were quickly bought back down to earth with one of the biggest shocks of the modern age. Ex-Fulham man Papa Bouba Diop scoring a winner for Senegal.
There would be no repeat of that win, although Chelsea’s Jackson threatened to ignite French nerves when he saw a first-half effort cannon off the post. That result in 2002 was seen as seismic and truly signalled the end of the France winning-era – they would lose in the Euros to Greece just two years later.
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