France Cruise Past Poland to Book World Cup Quarter-Final Spot
Olivier Giroud became France’s all-time men’s record goal scorer as his opener and Kylian Mbappe’s second-half double gave the World Cup holders a 3-1 win over Poland to move them into the quarter-finals.
As reported by Sky Sports, Giroud scored his 52nd France goal to surpass Thierry Henry’s record with a neat first-half finish (44) to help fire Les Bleus to a last-16 victory in Doha and set up a quarter-final against either England or Senegal.
The 36-year-old, who had equalled Henry’s tally of 51 after scoring twice in their opening Group D win over Australia, broke the record on his 117th appearance for France.
Mbappe then doubled France’s lead in the 74th minute before arrowing in a superb second in stoppage time to make it five goals in Qatar – two more than any other player at the tournament.
Robert Lewandowski scored a 99th-minute re-taken penalty to add a late consolation for Poland to deny Hugo Lloris a clean sheet on his record-equalling 142nd appearance for France.
France forward Mbappe said: “The only objective for me is to win the World Cup. The only thing I dream is this.
“I came here to win this World Cup. I didn’t come here to win the Golden Ball or Golden Boot. If I win it of course I’m going to be happy but that’s not why I’m here. I’m here to win and I’m here to help the French national team.”
Mbappe also explained why he had not addressed the media before Sunday as he said: “I needed to focus on the tournament and my soccer,” adding that he had volunteered to pay a French federation fine for his silence.
“When I want to concentrate on something that’s the way I function. And that’s why I didn’t want to come speak to you before now.
“I’ve been preparing for this tournament throughout the season, physically and mentally. I wanted to be ready for this tournament and I am.”
