Kylian Mbappé sets new world record, sends France to WC quarter-final
France, on Sunday, December 4, crushed Poland in the knockout stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar to advance to the quarterfinals of the competition
The 2018 Champions, who finished atop their group, went into the game brimming with confidence against a Polish side who qualified for the round of 16 despite losing to Argentina in their final group-stage match.
France dominated possession in the first 20 minutes and came close to scoring in the 26th minute through a fine cross from Barcelona's Ousmane Dembélé, which Olivier Giroud missed.
The French side inevitably took the lead in the 43rd minute through Olivier Giroud's stunning strike past Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny who set a record as France's all-time top scorer with 52 goals, one more than former holder Thierry Henry.
Kylian Mbappé, whose net worth is quite substantial, doubled the lead 29 minutes into the second half with a stunning strike inside the 18-yard box, his fourth of the competition. One minute into extra time, Mbappé scored another brilliant goal for France with a beautifully curved ball into the net at the right edge of the post.
Eight minutes later, Poland captain Robert Lewandowski pulled one back with a penalty to end the game 3-1.
Kylian Mbappe's goal also makes it his 33 for France in 63 appearances
Mbappé's brace against Poland marked his fifth in the 2022 World Cup and his ninth goal at the World Cup, matching Argentina legend Lionel Messi, but with fewer appearances, having only played in two World Cup tournaments, three fewer than Messi.
France's victory also advanced them to the 2022 Qatar World Cup quarterfinals, where they will face the Three Lions of England on Saturday, December 10, at Al Bayt Stadium.
Les Bleus will look to advance to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a win over Gareth Southgate's strong side, who are also one of the tournament's favorites.