Mbappe double fires France to impressive win over Senegal

Captain Mbappe broke the tense deadlock in the 66th minute, successfully unlocking the disciplined Senegalese defense to provide a neat finish past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The opening goal was created by Michael Olise, who collected the ball on the right wing and slipped a precise, low pass between the defenders for Mbappe to run on to.

Substitute Bradley Barcola extended the French lead in the 82nd minute, just two minutes after replacing Ousmane Dembele, by coolly chipping the ball over the onrushing Mendy after a pass through the middle from Adrien Rabiot. Senegal briefly revived their hopes deep into added time, as Ibrahim Mbaye produced a fine dribble to leave Theo Hernandez on the floor before smashing a spectacular shot into the top corner in the 95th minute.

Mbappe had the final word seconds later, breaking Olivier Giroud's historical record with his 58th international goal for France by lashing a scorching strike from distance into the top left corner. The decisive double moved Mbappe to 14 career World Cup goals, taking him past football icons Lionel Messi and Just Fontaine to draw level with Germany's legendary Gerd Muller.

Senegal had started the match with far greater intensity, creating early problems for Didier Deschamps' side through dangerous attacking plays from Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr. Jackson almost opened the scoring following a lightning counter-attack, driving into the penalty box to fire a low shot against the post before the ball ricocheted off goalkeeper Mike Maignan's heel and out for a corner. The African side missed a golden opportunity to lead just before the halftime whistle when Sadio Mane surged down the left channel and clipped a fine cross to an unmarked Sarr, who blasted his first-time effort over the bar.

Coach Pape Thiaw expressed regret over his team's efficiency, noting that a more clinical first-half performance could have seen Senegal heading into the tunnel with a one or two-goal advantage. France returned sharper after the break and were left furious in the 58th minute when Mane slid in on Mbappe inside the penalty box, though the referee stood by his decision not to award a penalty after a VAR monitor review. The vital opening victory gives France peace of mind to start the tournament, while the remaining Group I match between Iraq and Norway is scheduled to take place later on Tuesday in Boston.