Today's Edition
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.
