France are through to the quarter finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after beating Poland 3-1 during their round-of-16 clash at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday.
The defending champions came into this game having after topping Group D by beating Australia and Denmark to qualify for the round of 16.
While Poland at the other end experienced a nerve-wracking encounter in their final Group C match and only managed to advance to the round of 16.
Olivier Giroud’s goal just a minute before halftime gave France a 1-0 advantage over Poland going into the interval.
With a record-breaking 52nd goal for Les Blues, the former Chelsea player surpassed Thierry Henry to become their all-time greatest scorer.
A record-breaking goal from Giroud gives France the lead.#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 4, 2022
After missing an obvious goal early in the half, it was a nice finish on the turn.
Only an outstanding stop from Hugo Lloris and a block on the line by Raphael Varane kept Poland from taking the lead during the first half.
In order to secure their place in the final eight, Les Bleus had to overcome a challenge in the second half.
But somehow, they managed to squeeze in another goal in 74th minute through PSG star – Kylian Mbappe, who made the scoreline 2-0 for France.
France made a line clearing play at one end, Giroud then unleashed Dembele on the counter.
The winger feeds Mbappe in space by cutting inside from the right flank. Mbappe takes a touch before hitting Szczesny with a right-footed shot.
Mbappe went on to deliver another mind-blowing goal to make it 3-0 just one minute into the full-time extra time.
With yet another outstanding performance, Mbappe made it certain that France secured their place in the quarterfinals.
Kylian Mbappé, literally flying. 9 World Cup goals for this boy — unbelievable skills and numbers. 🚀🇫🇷 #Qatar2022
Born December 20, 1998. pic.twitter.com/IvuowcObv1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 4, 2022
The forward received a pass from Thuram as he moved inside for him, and after taking a touch off his feet, he sent a right-footed shot into the top-right corner to seal the victory for France.
🇫🇷 Mbappé has now scored 9 World Cup goals – more than Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo & Rivaldo 🤯
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 4, 2022
Nine minutes into the extra time, just when you think the game is over, the referee grants Poland a penalty after looking at the VAR screen. Upamecano did touch the ball with his hand and the referee awards a penalty.
Lewandowski initially missed the attempt, but was able to get a second chance because Lloris was off his line and several France players encroached on the goal. He made no mistakes to give his side a consolation goal, and the score ended up being 3-1 in France’s favor.
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