World Champions France secured their place in the quater final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup following a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Poland at the Al- Thumama stadium on Sunday evening.
A late first half goal from striker Olivier Giroud set the tone for the win before Kylian Mbappe’s second half brace wrapped things up for the French, keeping their hope of defending the title alive.
Giroud’s strike took his national team goal tally to 52, making him France’s outright all-time top scorer surpassing compatriot Thiery Henry whose tally stands at 51.
Les Bleus were relentless in attack in the entirety of the first half as they pushed for an opening goal but struggled to unlock a stubborn Poland defence until just before the break when Mbappe played a pin-point ball through to Giroud, who hammered it past Wojciech Szczesny to put his side in front.
The reining champions continued to press after the break, with Giroud almost netting a second when he flicked Jules Kounde’s cross just past the near post.
But Mbappe did not miss in the 74th minute, unleashing a missile from just inside the penalty area that shot into the top corner as he took his tournament goal tally to four.
The French attacker was not done, adding a second goal in stoppage time with another screamer to seal the win and take his total for the tournament to five.
Poland got a consolation goal from a Robert Lewandowski penalty.
France will next face the winners of the England versus Senegal game, being played later on Sunday.
