FIFA World Cup: Mbappe shines as France beat Poland to qualify for quarter-finals
Olivier Giroud became the all-time top-scorer of France
Kylian Mbappe shined as defending champions France beat Poland by 3-1 to qualify for the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday.
After Olivier Giroud opened the scoring to become France's all-time leading goal-scorer, Mbappe netted twice to confirm the 2018 world champions' spot in the next round this year.
Aurelien Tchoumeni fancied his chances from distance in the 13th minute, but Poland keeper Wojciech Szczesny denied a powerful shot from the Real Madrid midfielder.
Ousmane Dembele poised a threat as he collected the ball and dribbled past to curl the ball to the left corner, but Szczesny easily collected the ball.
Robert Lewandowski made his presence felt in the 21st minute as he struck a left-footed shot, which forced French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to dive, but the shot narrowly went wide.
In the 30th minute, Giroud had the golden opportunity to help the defending champions take a lead, but the AC Milan striker couldn't put the ball into the net after Dembele drove a cross from the right side.
Lewandowski had the chance to capitalise on a free-kick after Tchoumeni fouled Przemysław Frankowski, however, the FC Barcelona striker hit the wall.
Lloris made a sensational save off a shot from Zelinski, which fell in front of a Polish attacker again, but Theo Hernandez was on the line to clear the ball after another shot at goal.
France finally found a breakthrough as Giroud made history to put the Les Bleus 1-0 up just before half-time. With the score, the former Arsenal striker became France's all-time top scorer.
Just before halftime, Poland were on the verge of an equaliser as Lloris spilled the ball but showed great speed to cover it with his body.
Mbappe doubled the lead with a powerful shoot in the 75th minute as France turned defense into attack in a split second. Upamecano cleared the ball, which Giroud controlled impeccably and passed to Dembele, who cut in from the right wing and served the PSG star, who placed it perfectly.
The 23-year-old showed his class yet again in the stoppage time as he curled a robust shot to the right top corner from the same spot he scored France's second goal.
After Upamecano was caught for a handball, the referee awarded Poland a penalty. However, Lewandowski missed a massive opportunity as Lloris easily saved the penalty.
The Polish striker was given another chance as Lloris came out of the goal line before he took the penalty, which he converted, ending the match 3-1.
The Les Bleus will take on either England or Senegal, who will be taking on each other in a round of 16 clash, in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup.
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