The World Cup favorites, France, experienced a rocky beginning, but they transformed their game in the second half, showcasing a blend of physical intensity and technical skill that few teams, let alone clubs, can rival. Kylian Mbappé’s remarkable goals not only helped secure the victory but also set a new record for him as France’s all-time leading scorer, eclipsing Olivier Giroud.
After Mbappé netted a brilliant strike from a Michael Olise assist shortly after the hour mark, the match, which had initially been closely contested, shifted into a one-sided affair.
Bradley Barcola, who came on as a substitute, added a second goal in the final ten minutes. Although Senegal briefly ignited hopes during a chaotic stoppage time, Mbappé’s second goal solidified France’s dominance, marking his 58th goal for the national team.
With numerous players from the New York Knicks in attendance at MetLife Stadium, an electric atmosphere enveloped the venue prior to kick-off.
France created the best opportunities within the first 25 minutes. In the 11th minute, Ousmane Dembélé nearly threaded a pass to Mbappé in the box, but the captain was unable to control the ball. Kalidou Koulibaly’s casual chest control in the 14th minute almost led to disaster, yet goalkeeper Édouard Mendy was unscathed. A minute later, Dembélé almost capitalized on a mistake by the former Chelsea keeper, but Mendy held on.
As Senegal began to find their footing, they generated the first real chance of the match in the 25th minute.
A sliding tackle from El Hadji Malick Diouf won possession, and his quick pass set Nicolas Jackson free down the left. He charged into the box and unleashed a shot that struck the inside of the near post, narrowly eluding Mike Maignan.
After a hydration break, Senegal appeared more organized and threatening on the counterattack. Just before halftime, they should have taken the lead; Sadio Mané slipped into the France box and laid off a pass, but Ismaïla Sarr’s shot went over the bar.
France seemed to lack a clear attacking strategy and physical intensity in the first half. However, they returned from the break with renewed vigor, immediately putting pressure on Senegal. Desiré Doué had a promising shot that curled around the post shortly after the restart. Five minutes later, he initiated a break that nearly set up Mbappé.
Olise then seized an opportunity, breaking free with a one-on-one against Mendy, who made a crucial save. Moments later, Olise found Mbappé again, but Mendy was quick to intervene once more.
By the 60-minute mark, France had taken control, and a goal seemed imminent. Mbappé’s burst down the right led to a sliding challenge from Mané inside the box, prompting a moment of suspense. Referee Alireza Faghani awarded a corner, although replays suggested a foul occurred. Ultimately, Faghani opted not to overturn his decision, leaving many spectators surprised.
This controversial decision did not hinder the match’s flow, as Olise and Mbappé continued to link up effectively. Shortly after, Olise drove through midfield, delivering a pass that Mbappé just missed. However, Olise soon found himself with the ball 30 yards from goal, releasing a sublime pass that split the Senegal defense. Mbappé, racing in from the left, reached the ball first, turned, and effortlessly slotted it home.
Following the opener, Jackson attempted to respond for Senegal, firing one shot into the top corner that was ruled offside. The game had clearly tilted in France’s favor, as they maintained a level of play that Senegal struggled to match.
Dembélé was substituted for Barcola, who quickly made an impact by receiving a diagonal ball from Adrien Rabiot, who had exploited gaps in midfield, before chipping the ball over Mendy.
Even though the outcome was already settled, the match concluded with a frantic period of added time. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye struck a shot that Maignan could not stop, giving Senegal a glimmer of hope. Yet, Mbappé responded with a powerful shot from distance, which Mendy could have handled better. The stage is set for more to come as France looks forward to their next challenges.
