Kylian Mbappe scored twice to move joint-second in the all-time World Cup goalscoring list as France cruised past Iraq in a weather-delayed game in Philadelphia.
With early goals in both halves, Mbappe’s World Cup goal total now stands at 16 in 16 games, just two goals behind Lionel Messi, who smashed Miroslav Klose’s record just hours earlier.
Due to lightning strikes in the vicinity, the second half of France vs. Iraq started more than two hours after the first period ended, making it the first World Cup match to be stopped by severe weather.
The game began on time, but fans’ access to Philadelphia Stadium was delayed due to heavy rain earlier in the day.
Mbappe’s left-footed effort into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area in the 14th minute rewarded France’s impressive start.
Iran Still In Control
Despite losing striker and captain Aymen Hussein to injury, Iraq was able to enjoy extended periods of possession after the first-half hydration break, and the 2018 champions were unable to generate any clear opportunities.
Ousmane Dembele set up Mbappe for a straightforward finish after Iraqi goalkeeper Ahmed Basil failed to stop a short goal-kick attempted by defender Zaid Tahseen, giving France a second goal despite coming out of the lengthy half with newfound confidence.
Les Bleus had further chances to extend their lead – Adrien Rabiot missed a clear header and Michael Olise hit the crossbar with an audacious dink – before Dembele scored their third with a strike into the bottom corner.
The goal – set up by a brilliant outside-of-the-foot pass from Olise – was Dembele’s first for France at a major tournament in his 20th appearance.
Iraq created two decent chances in the final 20 minutes, but defender Rebin Sulaka volleyed over from Zidane Iqbal’s corner before Ali Al Hamadi couldn’t get on the end of a teasing Marko Farji cross.
Mbappe then raced clear late on and looked set to complete his hat-trick, but he lashed a left-footed effort high and wide.
Can France Bring It Home This Year?
France, who are bidding to reach a third successive World Cup final, are top of Group I with six points while Iraq are bottom with zero.
While France were always expected to win this game, the manner in which they did so offers another reminder of why they are among the tournament favourites.
A team built on pace and trickery could have stuttered on such a wet and heavy pitch after a two-hour break, but if anything it was Iraq who lost all momentum after the weather delay.
While Mbappe is France’s talisman – and could end up overtaking Messi as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer before he flies back to Madrid – Olise produced another outstanding performance.
The London-born winger may not speak much French, but the connection he has with his team-mates was clear as he provided two assists to make it six goal contributions in his past three international appearances.
There was even time for Ballon d’Or winner Dembele to end his major tournament hoodoo, which will no doubt give him added confidence going forward.
While Iraq fashioned a few opportunities of their own, at no point did it feel like France had relinquished control.
Les Bleus’ off-the-ball work was impressive throughout and they managed to force a number of turnovers in dangerous areas by pressing Iraq’s players.
Didier Deschamps’ side have showed they can hurt opponents in any way they like – no matter the conditions facing them.
What’s next for these teams?
France face Norway in Foxborough in their final group-stage match on Friday (20:00 BST), while Iraq play Senegal at the same time in Toronto.
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