By Tayo Ogunseye
Kylian Mbappe was the star of the night as France defeated Senegal 3-1 at the New York New Jersey stadium in a Group I game on Tuesday.
The France talisman scored a brace to push his number of goals scored at the World Cup to 14.
Expectedly, the pre-match hype had draw so much attention to the high profile encounter which was the second meeting between both teams at this level.
Senegal took a shock glory in 2002 with a famous 1-0 victory over the former winners.
However, the French were having none of it 24 years after.
Interestingly, the Teranga Lions held the 2022 finalists in the first-half to the surprise of the over 80 thousand fans and almost grabbed a late goal with the last kick through Ismaila Sarr.
But he was wasteful.
When the second half resumed, the Senegalese lost their purpose.
The Blues took charge of the game and their efforts eventually paid off.
In the 66th minute, after some consistent attacks, Kylian Mbappe struck a goal from a feed from Michael Olise as his quick turn left defender Kalidou Koulibaly wondering if he was on an island.
15 minutes later, Bradley Barcola increased the tally with a well-taken strike before lliman Ndiaye reduced the difference in added time few minutes after he came in as a sub.
His goal appeared to have sparked a belief of revival from an underwhelming Senegalese side but that was quickly extinguished by Mbappe two minutes later.
The 27-year old spotted Edouard Mendy in an unusual position having left his line and unleashed a driver outside the 18-yard box to cap a memorable night for him and Les Bleus.
The victory earned France a second spot on the table on goal difference behind Norway who defeated Iraq 4-1.
France will face Iraq on June 22 while Senegal will seek for a redemption against Norway on Tuesday June 23.
FIFA World Cup
🇫🇷 France 3:1 Senegal
Mbappe (66’)
Barcola (81’)
Mbaye (90+4)
Mbappe (90+6)
