The World Cup favorites, France, faced a challenging start, with a lackluster first-half performance. However, the second half showcased their blend of physical intensity and technical prowess, surpassing what many club teams can muster. With Kylian Mbappé matching and then breaking the record for most goals scored for France, alongside exceptional playmaking by Michael Olise, Les Bleus effectively secured a convincing win.
Mbappé opened the scoring with a brilliant finish from an Olise pass shortly after the hour mark, transforming what began as a tightly contested match into a more straightforward affair.
Substitute Bradley Barcola later extended the lead in the final ten minutes. Although Senegal briefly ignited hope during a chaotic stoppage time, Mbappé swiftly responded with his second goal, marking his 58th for the national team and making him France’s all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing Olivier Giroud.
With many New York Knicks players present at MetLife Stadium, a vibrant atmosphere enveloped the pre-match scene.
France created the best chances in the opening 25 minutes, with Ousmane Dembélé nearly threading a pass to Mbappé in the 11th minute, though the captain couldn’t control the ball. A dangerous moment arose in the 14th minute when Kalidou Koulibaly’s casual chest control nearly led to a turnover, but Édouard Mendy was not harmed. In the 24th minute, Dembélé almost caught Mendy off guard at the edge of the box, but the goalkeeper held on.
After weathering this initial phase, Senegal began to find their rhythm, generating the first clear opportunity in the 25th minute.
El Hadji Malick Diouf executed a sliding tackle to regain possession, sending Nicolas Jackson racing down the left wing. Jackson’s shot hit the near post, narrowly missing as a diving Mike Maignan saw it deflect off his heel.
The hydration break followed soon after, and Senegal emerged as the more composed side, showing increasing threat during counterattacks. They nearly took the lead just before halftime; Sadio Mané’s run into the French box set up Ismaïla Sarr, who unfortunately shot over the bar.
France struggled to establish a clear attacking strategy or physical presence in the first half. Returning from the break, they appeared more energized and assertive. Desiré Doué had an early shot that curled around the post, and moments later, he initiated a break that almost set up Mbappé, but the ball was intercepted just in time.
Then Olise seized his opportunity; a midfield turnover left him one-on-one with Mendy, but the goalkeeper made a crucial save. Just four minutes later, Olise managed to send Mbappé through, but again, Mendy intervened effectively.
By the hour mark, France had taken control of the match, and a goal seemed imminent. When Mbappé made a run down the right, forcing Mané into a sliding challenge inside the box, the crowd held its breath. Referee Alireza Faghani awarded a corner, and despite video replays suggesting a foul, he upheld his decision, leaving many spectators surprised.
This unusual decision did not deter France, as Olise and Mbappé continued to display their synergy. Shortly thereafter, Olise surged through the center, delivering a superb pass that Mbappé narrowly missed. However, when Olise received the ball again, he executed a brilliant pass from 30 yards out, slicing through the Senegal defense. Mbappé, arriving from the left, reached the pass first, skillfully turning and slotting a shot into the net.
Following the opener, Jackson had a couple of attempts for Senegal, one of which hit the top corner but was ruled offside. The momentum had clearly shifted, as France maintained a level of play that Senegal could not match.
Dembélé was substituted for Barcola, who quickly secured the win by collecting a diagonal ball from Adrien Rabiot and calmly chipping it past Mendy.
Even though the result seemed decided, a frantic added time ensued. Ibrahim Mbaye fired a shot that Maignan couldn’t stop, but Mbappé retaliated with a powerful long-range effort, which Mendy could have dealt with better. One down, seven more to go.
