Mbappé hits double as France gets campaign off to flying start

Kylian Mbappé delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice in France's 3-1 World Cup opening win against Senegal. The brace not only secured a strong start for the French team but also propelled Mbappé past football legend Pelé on the all-time World Cup goal-scoring list. He now holds the record for the most goals scored for the French national team, with his 57th and 58th international goals.

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I play to make history with my country and help my team win the World Cup.

"I play to make history with my country and help my team win the World Cup," Mbappé stated after the match. His first goal came in the 66th minute, breaking through Senegal's defense after several earlier chances were saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. The second, a long-range strike in stoppage time, sealed the victory just moments after Senegal had scored their first goal.

France defender William Saliba described the moment as "crazy," highlighting the rapid shift from conceding to scoring. "We just conceded the first goal for Senegal, and just one minute after, we scored a banger. I was so happy. Yeah, a crazy goal," Saliba said. He also expressed strong belief in Mbappé's potential to break more records, stating, "Of course, I think he has everything to beat the World Cup (record). I hope he is going to do it in this tournament because for sure he has everything, and I’m sure that he will do it."

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It was crazy. We just conceded the first goal for Senegal, and just one minute after, we scored a banger. I was so happy. Yeah, a crazy goal.

With these two goals, the 27-year-old Mbappé, playing in his third World Cup, is now tied with Gerd Müller for fourth place in tournament history. He is one goal behind Brazil's Ronaldo and two behind the record of 16 held by Miroslav Klose and Lionel Messi.

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Of course, I think he has everything to beat the World Cup (record). I hope he is going to do it in this tournament because for sure he has everything, and I’m sure that he will do it.