EAST RUTHERFORD (AGENCIES)

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France launched their bid for a third World Cup crown with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I on Tuesday.

Real Madrid star and France team captain Mbappe took his career World Cup goals tally to 14 -- just two behind all-time leader Miroslav Klose -- and Bradley Barcola was also on target as Les Bleus secured all three points for Didier Deschamps' side.

The goals make Mbappe France's all-time ⁠leading scorer, beating the mark of 57 ‌goals held by Olivier ‌Giroud.

While the Africans ⁠had ​looked the stronger team in the first half of the Group I match, the ‌second period was a different ‌matter as French class ultimately proved the difference.

Inevitably, it ​was Mbappe who broke the deadlock, unlocking the Senegalese defence in the 66th minute.

Substitute Bradley Barcola added a second, and Mbappe broke Olivier ​Giroud's record ‌with ⁠his ‌58th France goal ‌thanks to a scorching strike from outside ⁠the box deep into added ​time, seconds after Ibrahim Mbaye's consolation strike for Senegal.