Arsenal defender William Saliba heaped praise on Kylian Mbappe after France's 3-1 victory over Senegal in their World Cup Group I opener, applauding the forward's record-breaking brace that inspired Les Bleus to victory.
Mbappe's historic night
France, the 2022 runners-up, started sluggishly at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium and seemed headed for a disappointing draw. But Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, coolly slotting home an exquisite through ball from Michael Olise. The strike moved Mbappe joint-top of France's all-time goalscorers list alongside Olivier Giroud, with both locked on 57 goals.
The Real Madrid star wasn't done yet. His second goal in the 96th minute, after Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye had also found the net, cemented his place in France's history books as the nation's top scorer outright.
Saliba's admiration
“It’s crazy what he’s doing,” Saliba told beIN SPORTS. “I don’t think he realises that he’s the top scorer in the history of France and potentially the World Cup [down the line], I hope. We’re all happy for him. I hope he’ll keep scoring for the rest of the competition.”
On France's overall display, Saliba added: “It’s good, it’s pleasing. We played a top team. Today, we take the three points. It’s better to start the tournament like this. The first half wasn’t good, they had more chances than us. In the second half, we came with new ideas. We had more chances and we made up for it well.”
Mbappe promises more
Speaking to French TV channel M6, Mbappe assured supporters there was more to come after a “difficult” clash with the Africa Cup of Nations runners-up. “I don’t think we’re fully underway yet, but it’s always good to start competitions. It gives you peace of mind, even though you’re never truly at ease during a World Cup,” he said.
“We’ve seen with the other teams, it’s difficult to start with a win. Every team knows that the World Cup is unique, everyone wants to win and give a good image of their country. Today, it was a difficult match. We know we can score at any moment, that helps.”
On criticism he faced before the tournament, Mbappe stated: “There’s no point in seeking revenge. If I started playing to silence all the people who criticise me, I’d have to play until I was 80 years old. I play to make history for my country and to help my team win the World Cup. It’s only the first group match. People may get carried away and criticise, but the team must always remain calm in what we have to do.”
Deschamps relieved
France head coach Didier Deschamps admitted relief after securing maximum points. “It’s a relief. We were a bit apprehensive and tense. They were a good team, too,” said Deschamps, who has won the World Cup as both player and manager.
“When we were able to play a bit more freely, by changing the positioning of Ousmane [Dembele] and Michael [Olise], Bradley Barcola was a real threat. Winning the first match isn’t decisive in a four-team group. The French fans travel from far away, it’s expensive. Football is magical when you win and can share the emotions. Barcola? There are many players who can legitimately claim a starting spot. Rayan [Cherki] too. We’ll need everyone.”
France top the group and face Iraq next Monday. Mbappe will aim to surpass Gerd Muller's 14 World Cup goals in Philadelphia.
