France earns a comfortable 3-1 win over Poland today at the Al-Thumama stadium in Al Thumama, Qatar.
Poland played well in the first half. They made sure to keep Kylian Mbappé from getting the ball and were able to create a couple of chances that took goal-line stops to keep out. Unfortunately, they would concede a goal right before the half, and this would change the pace of the game.
Olivier Giroud surpassed Thierry Henry as the all-time top goal scorer for the French national team with his goal in the 44th minute. He shot with his favored left foot across the goal and into the bottom right corner to give France the lead.
Mbappé got his brace with goals in the 74th and 91st minutes. His first goal was easy as he was left completely unmarked. He had time to stop the ball, look where he wanted to place it, took another touch, teed it up, and then placed it into the upper left side of the goal.
For his second goal, he had to work for a bit. He received the ball in the same area, just a couple of yards closer. He made a quick move to the side of the defender and blasted it into the upper right corner of the goal. Wojciech Szczęsny got a hand to it but could only push it further into the corner.
Poland would get their consolation goal in the 99th minute of stoppage time. A penalty was awarded for them but had to be taken twice as French keeper Hugo Lloris was off his line for the first one. Robert Lewandowski converted the second attempt and scored what is likely his last-ever World Cup goal.
France is now onto the quarterfinals where they will play the winner of the England vs. Senegal game, which will take place today at 2 pm, EST.
Photo: Kylian Mbappé – Shutterstock – user: Romain Biard – ID: 1669991473