The third pre-quarterfinal match of FIFA World Cup 2022 was played between defending Champions France and Poland on Sunday.
Kylian Mbappe, scored two explosive goals and assisted the third as France came out victorious 3-1.
France made nine changes to the playing eleven which played against Tunisia for their first knock-out match of the tournament.
French star striker Kylian Mbappe with his dribbling skills and explosive runs created issues for the Polish defence on the left flank; while Dambele made repeated forays in the right.
8 #FIFAWorldCup goals at the age of 23…
Generational 🌟 pic.twitter.com/sV1n1PTikx
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 4, 2022
France’s first good chance came when Antoinne Griezmann released Dambele to the right. Dambele’s low cross beat the defenders but Giroud miscued with an outstretched legs just in front of the goal.
In the 35th minute, Mbappe released a powerful shot to the near post which was pushed out by Polish Keeper Szczeny.
Poland tried to remain in the game without conceding in the first half.
Against the run of play, Poland nearly took the lead in the 38th minute but two attempts by Zielinski from close range was saved by French keeper Lloris.
However, that was not to be as Giroud scored off an Mbappe assist just before the half time break, to overtake Thierry Henry as the all-time top scorer for France.
Giroud received a through ball from Mbappe, took a touch and then sent a perfectly placed shot to the far right beyond the reach of a diving keeper Szczeny.
The second half witnessed a powerful display by Kylian Mbappe.
MBAPPE IS UNREAL 😱
TWO GOALS AND AN ASSIST! pic.twitter.com/vXb7Cus2tv
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 4, 2022
On a counter attack, Giroud released the ball to Dambele on the right. Dambele sent the pass to Mbappe, who scored with a powerful shot into the near corner. Polish Szczeny could not cover ground to reach the shot due to the pace.
In the first minute of extra time, Mbappe found space again in the left. And this time he went for the far corner as his powerful shot hit the Polish net for the second time of the match.
Cruising to the Quarter-Finals 🔵
The reigning champs are looking like they mean business 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bEySE5inJA
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 4, 2022
Kylian Mbappe has now scored five goals in FIFA World Cup 2022 and leads the race for the Golden Boot award.
Poland got a consolation goal in the last-minute play when Lewandowski scored from a penalty.
France will play the winner of England-Senegal match in the Quarterfinal.
