EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — It was an ugly first half for the 2022 World Cup runners-up, but France took control of its opening match in the second half behind goals from superstar Kylian Mbappé to beat Senegal 3-1 on a sunny Tuesday afternoon in New Jersey.
In a packed stadium filled with predominantly French supporters, Les Blues came out sluggish in the first half, generating just one shot despite having the majority of possession. France had only 0.02 expected goals to Senegal’s 0.47, and Senegal had the best chances of the half, as striker Nicolas Jackson hit the post in the 25th minute and put one over the crossbar on the last touch of the half.
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France’s manager Didier Deschamps admitted as much in his post-match presser, noting that even though Senegal is a good team he was disappointed in his team’s first half. “I’m frank with my players,” Deschamps said. “I’m not here shouting and screaming — I grew wiser with age— but I [gave] a piece of my mind to my players.”
France looked much more the part of the tournament co-favorite in the second half, dominating possession early and creating several scoring chances, including a VAR check for a potential penalty when Mbappé was taken down in the box in the 59th minute. No penalty was awarded.
However, a few minutes later, Mbappé slotted a ball past Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy off a terrific pass from Michael Olise in the 66th minute to open the scoring.
France continued to control the match after halftime and doubled its lead in the 82nd minute when Adrien Rabiot slipped a perfectly weighted through ball to substitute Bradley Barcola, who calmly chipped Mendy.
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Senegal pulled one back in stoppage time through Ibrahim Mbaye, who produced a brilliant solo effort to briefly give the Lions of Teranga hope. But France answered almost immediately. Mbappé collected the ball outside the penalty area and unleashed a stunning long-range strike into the top left corner, sealing the 3-1 victory and moving past Lionel Messi on the list of highest-scoring players in World Cup history.
“He’s an iconic player,” Deschamps said of Mbappe. “On one action, he really is able to tip the scales and bring his team to victory. People say he doesn’t defend, but he’s not here to defend. Although on the outside you can think he’s selfish – that’s your opinion. I’m very happy for him. He told me he wanted to break the record in a real match.”
France will next face Iraq in Group I play on Monday from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia at 5 p.m. ET. Senegal will take on Norway at 8 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium, also on Monday.
