Mbappe breaks France scoring record as Les Bleus defeat Senegal in World Cup opener

Kylian Mbappe etched his name into French football history by becoming his country’s all-time leading goalscorer, netting twice in France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal in their opening match of the World Cup in New Jersey, Sport360NG reports. 

The Real Madrid forward struck in the second half to finally break Senegal’s stubborn resistance before producing a stunning long-range effort deep into stoppage time. His brace took his international tally to 58 goals, moving him ahead of former record-holder Olivier Giroud.

Bradley Barcola was also on the scoresheet for Didier Deschamps‘ side, while Senegal youngster Ibrahim Mbaye briefly raised hopes of a comeback with a spectacular strike.

Senegal Impress Before France Find Their Rhythm

Despite entering the tournament as one of the favourites, France struggled to impose themselves during a first half largely controlled by Senegal.

The African side created the clearer openings and came close to taking the lead on several occasions. Nicolas Jackson was inches away from breaking the deadlock when his low drive struck the base of the post before ricocheting off goalkeeper Mike Maignan and rolling narrowly wide.

Senegal squandered another excellent opportunity moments before the interval. Sadio Mane delivered an inviting cross into the area, but Ismaila Sarr failed to direct his close-range effort on target.

France’s attacking quartet of Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Michael Olise found little space to operate, managing only a handful of touches inside the Senegal penalty area before the break.

Controversial Penalty Decision Sparks Debate

France emerged with greater urgency after halftime and quickly began to ask more questions of the Senegal defence.

A major talking point arrived when Mbappe went down inside the penalty area following contact from Mane. Referee Alireza Faghani initially awarded a corner kick, and many expected the decision to be overturned after a VAR review.

However, after consulting the pitchside monitor, Faghani ruled that Mbappe had initiated the contact and maintained his original decision, much to the surprise of many inside the stadium.

The decision did little to disrupt France’s momentum.

Mbappe Takes Centre Stage

France continued to push forward, with Doue firing narrowly wide shortly after the restart. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy then produced important saves to deny both Olise and Mbappe in one-on-one situations.

Eventually, though, the Senegal goalkeeper was beaten.

Mbappe opened the scoring with a composed low finish before Nicolas Jackson thought he had equalised at the other end, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.

Barcola then doubled France’s advantage late in the contest with a delicate finish that appeared to put the match beyond Senegal’s reach.

Yet the Lions of Teranga refused to surrender. Eighteen-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye became the youngest African player ever to score at a World Cup when he unleashed a powerful effort from a tight angle to reduce the deficit.

Any hopes of a dramatic comeback were extinguished in stoppage time as Mbappe collected possession and unleashed a magnificent 25-yard strike into the net to seal victory.

Record-Breaking Night for France Star

Senegal famously stunned France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup, with Papa Bouba Diop‘s winner producing one of the greatest upsets in tournament history.

For long periods, it appeared another shock could be on the cards as Senegal matched and often outplayed the two-time world champions.

But France’s superior quality eventually shone through, with Mbappe once again proving the difference-maker.

The 27-year-old‘s latest goals not only made him France’s record scorer but also elevated him to 14 World Cup goals, drawing level with Germany legend Gerd Muller. He now sits just two goals behind the tournament’s all-time leading marksman, Miroslav Klose.

France leave New Jersey with three points and a winning start to their campaign, while Senegal can take encouragement from a performance that threatened to produce another famous World Cup upset.