MBAPPE TAPS INTO HISTORY
France’s youngest World Cup scorer sends Peru packing
IT WAS not a testing finish by any stretch but as Kylian Mbappe tapped in the goal which booked France into the next round, he created his own little piece of World Cup history.
Mbappe, not born when the French won this trophy in 1998, became France’s first teenager to score at a World Cup and their youngest scorer in any major tournament.
‘It was my dream, it has come true and I hope I will have more,’ smiled the 19-year- old. He has already won the French title and commanded a £167million fee when moving from Monaco to Paris Saint- Germain. Now his World Cup account is open and there will surely be more.
‘He has great qualities,’ said France boss Didier Deschamps. ‘He showed his speed and did what he had to do in the team plan. I am very satisfied.’
Mbappe is comfortably set in football’s fast lane. At least he was until his dreadfully slow exit in the 75th minute, shaking hands with virtually every player on the pitch as he made his way off.
France were under pressure by then. Peru were dominating the ball and gathering momentum but their first World Cup since 1982 will end at the group stage. They will leave an impression in Russia with their remarkable support but will go home next week having lost their first two games without scoring a goal.
‘We are pained but we gave it our all,’ said manager Ricardo Gareca. ‘The fans were so enthusiastic. People have been surprised by their passion and love. It is truly unique.
‘We would love to have repaid that trust. We will do everything to win the last game so they can celebrate once at this World Cup.’
France move on to face Denmark on Tuesday as they attempt to win Group C, which would set them up for a last-16 tie against the Group D runners-up. They performed with more fluency yesterday than in the win against Australia and seemed more cohesive with Olivier Giroud up front, bringing more threat from Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann. Giroud, one of two changes, gave them more physical presence and might have claimed the goal had Mbappe not been so lightning quick. Paul Pogba dispossessed Paolo Guerrero in midfield and had the awareness to play a simple pass, threaded into the penalty area for Giroud. The Chelsea striker went for goal but a partial block by Rodriguez sent his effort spinning high over keeper Pedro Gallese. It may have bounced in anyway but Mbappe pounced to make sure.
They started at a good tempo, although could have been more clinical. Hugo Lloris, winning his 100th cap, produced a vital save with his legs to deny Guerrero when the game was goalless.
France proved to be solid at the back under pressure. Pedro Aquino clipped a post with a swerving effort from range but Peru, for all their desire, could not fashion any real chances.
There was no goal for Aquino but he too set a World Cup record as the first to be cautioned via VAR, who corrected a case of mistaken identity. Safe to say Mbappe will be happier with his place in the record books. FRANCE (4-2-3-1): Lloris 6.5; Pavard 6, Varane 6.5, Umtiti 6, Hernandez 6; Kante 7.5, Pogba 7 (Nzonzi 85min); Mbappe 7.5 (Dembele 75, 6), Griezmann 7 (Fekir 79), Matuidi 6.5; GIROUD 8. Scorer: Mbappe 34. Booked: Matuidi, Pogba. Manager: Didier Deschamps 7. PERU (4-2-3-1): Gallese 6.5; Advincula 6, Ramos 6, Rodriguez 5 (Santamaria 46, 6), Trauco 6; Aquino 6.5, Yotun 5 (Farfan 46, 6); Carrillo 6.5, Cueva 6 (Ruidiaz 82), Flores 7; Guerrero 6. Booked: Guerrero, Aquino. Manager: Ricardo Gareca 6. Referee: Mohammed Abdulla Hassan (UAE). Attendance: 32,789.