France eventually click into gear against Senegal

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It was a hard-fought win for France against Senegal

Senegal famously beat Les Bleus in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup, with the late Papa Bouba Diop scoring the only goal in one of the greatest upsets in the tournament's history.

Author | Jack L

Collage of pictures of France v Senegal

For long periods, the Lions of Teranga looked capable of producing another memorable result against the two-time champions, whose star-studded attacking quartet of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Michael Olise struggled to find their rhythm before the interval.

France managed only three touches inside the Senegal penalty area in the first half, while Mbappe found it difficult to influence proceedings.

Didier Deschamps' side emerged with far greater intensity after the break.

Doue dragged a shot wide within moments of the restart, while Olise and Mbappe were both denied by Edouard Mendy when sent clean through on goal.

However, the former Chelsea goalkeeper could do little to stop Mbappe, 27, from taking centre stage.

The former Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain forward has now scored 14 World Cup goals, drawing level with former Germany great Gerd Muller in the all-time standings.

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Nicolas Jackson had a goal ruled out for offside shortly after Mbappe's opener, before Bradley Barcola's delicate finish handed France a two-goal advantage late in the second half.

Eighteen-year-old Mbaye, now the youngest African goalscorer in World Cup history, gave Senegal hope with a thunderous strike from a tight angle, but Mbappe's superb effort from 25 yards sealed victory for France.

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