EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — It was an ugly first half for the 2022 World Cup runners up, but France took control of its opening match in the second half behind goals from superstar Kylian Mbappé to beat Senegal 3-1 on a sunny Tuesday afternoon in New Jersey.
In a packed stadium filled with predominantly French supporters, Les Blues came out sluggish in the first half, generating just one shot despite having the majority of possession. France had only 0.02 expected goals to Senegal's 0.47, and Senegal had the best chances of the half, as striker Nicolas Jackson hit the post in the 25th minute and put one over the crossbar on the last touch of the half.
France looked much more the part of the tournament co-favorite in the second half, dominating possession early and creating several scoring chances, including a VAR check for a potential penalty when Mbappé was taken down in the box in the 59th minute. No penalty was awarded.
However, a few minutes later Mbappé slotted a ball past Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy off a terrific pass from Michael Olise in the 66th minute to open the scoring.
France continued to control the match after halftime and doubled its lead in the 82nd minute when Adrien Rabiot slipped a perfectly weighted through ball to Bradley Barcola, who calmly chipped Édouard Mendy.
Senegal pulled one back in stoppage time through Ibrahim Mbaye, who produced a brilliant solo effort to briefly give the Lions of Teranga hope. But France answered almost immediately. Mbappé collected the ball outside the penalty area and unleashed a stunning long-range strike into the top left corner, sealing the 3-1 victory and moving past Lionel Messi for the most World Cup goals in history.
France will next face Iraq in Group I play on Monday from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia at 5 p.m. ET. Senegal will take on Norway at 8 p.m. ET back here at MetLife Stadium, also on Monday.
