Mbappé Opens World Cup with Two Goals as France Defeats Senegal

The French national team kicked off their World Cup campaign on Tuesday with a 3-1 victory over Senegal. The match took place in Australia, officiated by local referee Alireza Fagani.

First Half: Senegal's Counterattacks

France controlled possession early on, but the African vice-champions responded with sharp counterattacks. In the 25th minute, Senegal created the first dangerous chance: Elhadji Malick Diouf won the ball and passed to Nicolas Jackson, who hit the post. Later, the ball deflected off Mike Maignan's leg but went wide. Overall, Senegal played more confidently in the first half, and Ismaila Sarr shot over the bar in the dying seconds.

Second Half: France Takes Control

After the break, the World Cup vice-champions took the initiative. In the 53rd minute, after a Senegal error in midfield, Michael Olise had a close-range shot saved by Edouard Mendy. In the 66th minute, Olise delivered a precise pass to Kylian Mbappé, who slotted the ball into the far corner with his first touch – 1-0. Shortly after, Bradley Barcola, on the field for just two minutes, received a pass in space and doubled the lead (2-0). In the 90+5th minute, Senegal pulled one back through Mbayé, but Mbappé restored the two-goal cushion in the 90+6th minute, scoring his second of the game.

Conclusion

France began their tournament with a win, while Senegal put in a respectable performance, especially in the first half. Mbappé's double underlined his importance to the team.