FIFA World Cup: Kylian Mbappe’s hunger to win trophy for France leaves coach Didier Deschamps in awe
France coach Didier Deschamps was a happy man as his superstar forward Kylian Mbappe shone in their hard-fought 2-1 win over Denmark in their FIFA World Cup 2022 match on Saturday. Thanks to Mbappe’s brilliance, France became the first team to qualify for the Round of 16 in Qatar as they ended the curse of the defending champions that had stretched since the 2006 edition of the World Cup.
France became the first defending champions to reach the Round of 16 since Brazil in 2006 and Deschamps is delighted that their big names are stepping up and delivering at the right time in Qatar.
Mbappe, who shone in France’s winning run in Russia 4 yeas ago, has begun the Qatar campaign in style with three goals in 2 matches. The Paris Saint-Germain star scored in their 2-0 win over Australia and his double helped the side clinch the decisive win in Group D.
Mbappe put his team in front in the 61st minute and then scored the winner with his right thigh in the 86th as he extended his World Cup tally to 7, equalling Lionel Messi’s tally on Saturday evening. However, Messi pulled ahead with his stunning strike in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Mexico on Sunday.
“Kylian is an extraordinary player. He has the ability to make the difference at any time no matter what the other team plans to contain him,” France coach Deschamps said.
“In addition to his great ability he is totally invested in the team and he’s made it an objective of his to win the World Cup.”
MBAPPE IS A LEADER
Mbappe’s brace took his international total to 31 in 61 games for France, putting the 23-year-old level with Zinedine Zidane and 2 goals behind Olivier Giroud and Thierry Henry, France’s joint record goal-scorers.
Mbappe put France ahead in the 61st minute, capping off a high-speed counter. He was on the receiving end of a superb pull-back from Theo Hernandez. However, Denmark leveled with Andreas Christensen strike but Mbappe made sure France took 3 full points after a tapping-in a stunning cross from Antoine Griezmann in the 87th minute.
“There are different types of leaders,” Deschamps said. “Mbappe’s a leader, he sets the example with what he shows on the field.”
France will face Tunisia in their final Group D game as they look to finish as table-toppers. The defending champions can face any of the Group C teams, which include Argentina, Poland, Mexico and Saudi Arabia in the Round of 16 .
“We’re in an ideal position. It makes you feel very calm to be qualified after two games,” Deschamps said. “There’s a strong chance we’ll finish first in the group.”
