FRA vs POL: Olivier Giroud became France’s undisputed all-time highest-level goalscorer in a record-breaking 3-1 victory over Poland in the World Cup’s last-16 match. Kylian Mbappe also scored a stunning brace. However, until sometime prior to actual halftime. When Mbappe slid an exquisite pass across to Giroud, who smashed it beyond a sprawling Wojciech Szczesny to score France’s 52nd goal.
They were unable to penetrate down a resolute Polish defense. After the interval, the hosts France kept up the pressure. And Giroud nearly added a second goal while he glanced Jules Kounde’s cross inches outside the left side. Mbappe, though, made no mistakes in the 74th minute. Shooting a rocket into the upper spot from within the strike zone.
FRA vs POL: Giroud Becomes the Top Scorer for France
FRA vs POL: Kylian Mbappe delivered two outstanding beauties and Olivier Giroud became France’s all-time leading goal scorer. Until Poland scored a late penalty in the last second thanks to a Robert Lewandowski penalty.
The initial period was commanded by France as they sought to score first. Giroud shattered the scoreless tie by hammering a record-tying 52nd goal past a flying Wojciech Szczesny. After Mbappe put a pinpoint pass through to him.
After the interval, the reigning champions kept up the pressure and increased their advantage when Mbappe blasted an effort from barely beyond the strike zone into the upper edge.
FRA vs POL: Benzema’s Absence didn’t Affect the French Side
FRA vs POL: Mbappe added the 2nd strike in extra time with yet again a stunner to secure the victory and bring his championship total to five.
In the 75th minute, Mbappe extended France’s lead with a strong shot before netting a second with an incredible curling effort toward the far top right corner—his 5th of the competition.
Because of this, it’s possible that Karim Benzema’s injury-related absence on the eve of the championship doesn’t hurt French prospects. In the same way it could at Paris Saint-Germain, because he divides the spotlight with Lionel Messi and Neymar.
Robert Lewandowski’s Penalty gave Polish a Dramatic Recovery Goal
FRA vs POL: Lewandowski scored after Poland’s goalscorer failed on his first effort after referee Jesus Valenzuela demanded a 2nd try. Hugo Lloris rushed off his line to save Robert Lewandowski’s initial effort, forcing Lewandowski to execute the spot repeatedly. This led to Lewandowski scoring a desperation penalty in injury time.
The outcome guarantees that France will meet the victory of England and Senegal, who join later, in the quarterfinals to begin their World Cup championship defenses.
After Mbappe’s initial attempts failed to produce obvious possibilities, France quickly lost control of the ball and began seeking to open up the Polish defense.
Although Piotr Zielenski’s advancing effort was palmed away by Lloris in the 38th minute, Poland’s patience was almost rewarded. The ball then returned to the midfielder’s direction, but Theo Hernandez blocked his second effort.
FRA vs POL: Varane’s Defensive Excellence
FRA vs POL: After that, Jakub Kaminski attempted to score, but Raphael Varane blocked his attempt just inside the end zone.
But with one minute left before the interval, France’s strategy was successful.
Giroud had the amount of spacing he sought to flick the ball around Szczesny and score his 3rd strike of the competition after Mbappe attracted the defense to him and passed the ball across.
Giroud, 36, had tied Henry for the most scores with 51 after scoring twice in the reigning winners’ 4-1 victory against the Australians in their inaugural Group D match.
Mbappe in particular appeared carefree for France, but the striker produced a spine-tingling soaring chance that dipped under the crossbar and then curled a second jaw-dropping effort into the upper edge 1 min into added time.
Mbappe Scores a Brace to Extend France’s Lead
FRA vs POL: With his 4th and 5th strikes in FIFA WC. Mbappe surpassed Lionel Messi of the Argentinian side to become the first player to achieve 9 World Cup scores prior to actually turning 24.
Lewandowski had an opportunity to strike a consolation goal. After Dayot Upamecano’s infringement when he was awarded a penalty that Lloris initially blocked. Prior to actually retaking and converting because the goalie did not have his foot on the boundary.
Although it was a historic milestone for the French side. Coach Didier Deschamps prioritized a comfortable win and advancement to the quarterfinals.
Polish, which hasn’t triumphed in a World Cup playoff match since 1982. Came back despite a shaky beginning to come close to taking the lead in the 38th minute. When Raphael Varane prevented Jakub Kaminski’s take attempt on the mark and Lloris denied a strike by Piotr Zielinski.
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