Mbappé breaks French scoring record with double in World Cup opener against Senegal

Kylian Mbappé became France’s all-time leading goalscorer with a superb double as Les Bleus opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal in New Jersey.

The Real Madrid forward broke Senegal’s resistance in the second half with a low strike before rifling home a sensational long-range effort deep into stoppage time to seal the victory.

BBC reports that The Real Madrid forward’s second strike lifted him on to 58 goals for Les Bleus – one clear of former record holder Olivier Giroud, making Mbappé the top scorer in France’s history.

Bradley Barcola had earlier put France 2-0 up before Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal, but Mbappé’s second of the game ended the Lions of Teranga’s hopes of a comeback.

It had been an underwhelming display by France prior to Mbappé’s opener as Senegal created the better opportunities and were perhaps unfortunate not to break the deadlock in an impressive first-half display.

Nicolas Jackson went closest for Senegal when he rifled a low shot against the base of the post. The ball rebounded off goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s foot and trickled narrowly wide of the upright.

Ismaila Sarr should have given Senegal the lead on the stroke of half-time but failed to steer his close-range effort on target after connecting with Sadio Mane’s cross.

France emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and were controversially denied a penalty when Mane appeared to catch Mbappé inside the box. Referee Alireza Faghani consulted VAR but decided Mbappé had initiated the contact.

“People will still criticise him,” France coach Didier Deschamps said. “He can from time to time miss a game or two but on one action he really is able to tip the scales and bring his team to victory.”

Deschamps praised Mbappé’s leadership and impact: “People say he doesn’t defend enough – well, he isn’t here to defend. He is only 27, from the first day on, before he scored the two goals today, he does a lot for the group as a captain. I am happy for him. He wanted to score in a real match and especially this match with a global audience, he has a real aura.”

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