Kylian Mbappe stepped up to help France move closer to qualifying for next year’s World Cup with a straightforward 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan in their qualifying match on Friday. However, he did leave the game late due to an injury to his ankle.
First Half Struggles Before Mbappe Breakthrough
A 26-year-old player scored the first goal just before halftime, and then he assisted Adrien Rabiot in scoring the second goal. Later, substitute Thauvin added a 3rd goal. This victory put the French team, known as Les Bleus, at nine points after three matches. They now have a great opportunity to qualify for the next stage when they play against Iceland on Monday.
France was without a few important players, including Paris Saint-Germain forwards Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Bradley Barcola, who were all hurt. However, former PSG players Kylian Mbappe and Adrien Rabiot managed to secure a win, even though the team struggled in the first half.
Azerbaijan’s Position in Group
Azerbaijan is currently in last place in their group with just one point. They will next face Ukraine, which is in second place with four points. Meanwhile, Iceland is in third place with three points after playing three games.
“We achieved the outcome we aimed for, but our performance wasn’t quite up to par, especially in the first half,” Deschamps shared at a press conference. “We were moving the ball around too slowly, and our play felt a bit lifeless. I can’t prevent the players from believing that a goal will eventually happen, but we didn’t do enough to challenge the other team.”
The French national soccer team, known as Les Bleus, has now gone 26 games without losing in the qualifiers for the World Cup and European Championships. However, their recent performance wasn’t as impressive as they had hoped.
Mbappe Opens Scoring Before Half-Time
Kylian Mbappé quickly created the first opportunity for his team, followed by a strong shot from Malo Gusto at the usually lively Parc des Princes stadium. Hugo Ekitike also tried to score but was stopped by the goalkeeper, Shakhrudin Magomedaliyev. Overall, France struggled to make a significant impact during a first half that wasn’t very exciting.
Just before halftime, Mbappe skillfully manoeuvred past the opposing team’s defense and scored a goal with a smooth, low shot, giving France the lead.
Rabiot and Thauvin Seal Victory
Ekitike nearly scored early in the second half when his shot from a tricky angle hit the far post and bounced away.
Rabiot scored a decisive goal in the 69th minute by heading the ball into the net after receiving a great cross from Mbappe on the left side. This goal made it clear that they were in control of the match.
Six years after playing for the national team, Thauvin, who was part of the World Cup-winning team in 2018, came on to replace Mbappe in the 83rd minute because Mbappe hurt his ankle. Just a minute after entering the game, Thauvin scored with a nice volley using his very first touch of the ball.
“Kylian is doing really well — he’s our leader and captain, and he was already performing at a high level back in September,” said Deschamps. “He had a sore ankle, and unfortunately, he hurt it again. He decided to leave the game because the pain was becoming too much for him.”
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