By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland stole the spotlight on Wednesday as France and Norway opened their FIFA World Cup campaigns with convincing victories over Senegal and Iraq. Mbappe scored twice to become France’s all-time leading goalscorer in a 3-1 win over Senegal in New Jersey, while Haaland netted a brace in Norway’s 4-1 triumph over Iraq in Boston. The victories handed both European teams maximum points and boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Mbappe Breaks France’s All-Time Scoring Record
Mbappe delivered another historic performance for France. The Real Madrid forward scored twice to take his international tally to 58 goals. He moved past Olivier Giroud and became France’s highest-ever goalscorer.
Bradley Barcola doubled France’s lead after Mbappe opened the scoring. However, Ibrahim Mbaye briefly gave Senegal hope by reducing the deficit.
Mbappe ended any comeback hopes deep into stoppage time. He unleashed a stunning long-range strike to seal a 3-1 victory for Didier Deschamps’ side.
Senegal Waste First-Half Chances
Despite the result, Senegal controlled much of the opening half. Nicolas Jackson came closest to scoring when his low effort struck the post before bouncing off goalkeeper Mike Maignan and rolling wide.
Shortly before halftime, Ismaila Sarr missed another clear chance. He failed to hit the target after connecting with Sadio Mane’s cross.
France improved significantly after the break. The team pressed higher and created more attacking opportunities.
VAR Drama Fails to Stop France
France appealed for a penalty after Sadio Mane appeared to clip Mbappe inside the box.
Referee Alireza Faghani initially awarded a corner. Following a VAR review, he ruled that Mbappe had initiated the contact and overturned the decision.
Nevertheless, France continued attacking and eventually secured all three points.
Deschamps Praises Mbappe’s Match-Winning Quality
France coach Didier Deschamps praised his captain after the match.
“People will still criticise him,” Deschamps said.
“He may miss a game or two, but one moment of brilliance can change everything. He always gives the team a chance to win.”
Haaland Scores Twice on World Cup Debut
Erling Haaland enjoyed a dream FIFA World Cup debut by scoring twice as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1.
The Manchester City striker increased his international tally to 57 goals in only 51 appearances.
Norway broke the deadlock shortly after the first-half cooling break. David Moller Wolfe delivered a low cross, and Haaland slid in at the far post to score.
Iraq Fight Back Before Norway Pull Away
Iraq responded impressively through Aymen Hussein. The striker powered home a header from Amir Al-Ammari’s cross in the 39th minute.
However, Norway regained the lead four minutes later. Veteran goalkeeper Jalal Hassan hesitated while clearing a back-pass. Haaland blocked the clearance, and the ball bounced into the net.
Iraq continued creating chances before halftime. Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Al-Hamadi and Akam Hashim all came close to scoring.
Historic World Cup Moment for Zidan Iqbal
The second half produced another memorable moment. Manchester-born Zidan Iqbal became the first player of Pakistani heritage to appear in a men’s FIFA World Cup after coming on as a substitute.
Norway extended their lead in the 76th minute. Leo Ostigard headed home Martin Odegaard’s corner.
Deep into stoppage time, Hussein accidentally turned Haaland’s looping header into his own net to complete the 4-1 victory.
Group I Standings Take Shape
The victory ended Norway’s 28-year wait for a World Cup appearance in style.
Meanwhile, Iraq remained without a point in FIFA World Cup history. The defeat also became the first loss by an Asian Football Confederation side to European opposition after four previous encounters in the tournament.
Next, Iraq will face France in Philadelphia on June 22. Norway will meet Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 23 in a crucial Group I clash.
