BY KUNLE SOLAJA, VANCOUVER.

Norway will begin their first FIFA World Cup campaign in 28 years with a formidable attacking trio after coach Stale Solbakken named Premier League Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland in the starting line-up for Tuesday’s Group I clash against Iraq.

Solbakken opted for his strongest forward line, with Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa joining Haaland in a three-man attack as the Scandinavians seek a winning start to their first World Cup appearance since France 1998.

Captain Martin Odegaard will marshal the midfield alongside Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes, while Oscar Bobb begins the match on the bench.

Iraq, making only their second World Cup appearance and first since 1986, will look to upset the highly-rated Norwegians with veteran striker Aymen Hussein leading the attack. Hussein is partnered by Ali Al Hamadi and Ali Jassim in a front three selected by coach Graham Arnold.

Arnold made several changes to the side that suffered a 2-0 defeat to Venezuela in their final warm-up match as Iraq seek a positive start in a difficult group that also includes France and Senegal.

Norway arrive at the tournament with high expectations after an impressive qualifying campaign and are regarded as one of the dark horses of the competition, with Haaland and Odegaard spearheading a talented generation.

Teams

Iraq: Jalal Hassan; Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashem, Merchas Doski; Amir Al Ammari, Zaid Ismail, Ibrahim Bayesh; Ali Jassim, Ali Al Hamadi, Aymen Hussein.

Norway: Orjan Haskjold Nyland; Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, David Moller Wolfe; Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes; Alexander Sorloth, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, VANCOUVER.

France captain Kylian Mbappe etched his name into the record books on Tuesday, scoring twice in a 3-1 victory over Senegal to become France’s all-time leading international goalscorer.

The 27-year-old striker surpassed the previous record of 57 goals held by Olivier Giroud during France’s Group I opener at New York New Jersey Stadium.

After a subdued first half, Mbappe came to life after the break, putting France ahead in the 66th minute when he calmly slipped the ball past the Senegal goalkeeper for his 57th international goal, drawing level with Giroud’s long-standing mark.

The Real Madrid forward then claimed the record outright deep into stoppage time, unleashing a thunderous strike to register his 58th goal for France and seal a memorable night for the World Cup holders.

Giroud, who was working as a pundit for the BBC, was among the first to congratulate his former teammate.

“Congrats, Kylian. You made it. I’m really happy for him,” Giroud said after Mbappe broke his record.

The former France striker also revealed that Mbappe had promised to give him the match shirt from the historic occasion.

Mbappe had faced intense scrutiny heading into the tournament, with expectations high following another prolific season at club level. However, the French captain emphatically answered his critics, leading his side to victory in their opening match of the tournament.

The win gives France an ideal start to their World Cup campaign ahead of their next Group I fixture against Iraq in Philadelphia on Monday. Didier Deschamps’ side will then conclude the group stage against Norway on June 26.

With the scoring record now his, Mbappe’s attention will turn to guiding France deeper into the tournament as they seek to retain the World Cup crown.

 

 

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, VANCOUVER.

France overcame a sluggish first-half display to defeat Senegal 3-1 in their opening Group I match of the FIFA World Cup at New York/New Jersey Stadium on Tuesday, with captain Kylian Mbappe making history as his side began their title defence in style.

The French were second best for much of the opening period as Senegal matched and at times outplayed the reigning champions, creating the better opportunities and unsettling Didier Deschamps’ side with their pace and physicality.

However, France emerged a different team after the break and gradually asserted their superiority, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 66th minute through Mbappe.

The Real Madrid forward found space in the Senegalese defence and calmly finished to score his 57th international goal, drawing level with former striker Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading scorer.

France’s dominance grew as the match wore on and substitute Bradley Barcola doubled the advantage late in the contest, putting the result beyond doubt.

Senegal refused to surrender and were rewarded in stoppage time when Ibrahim Mbaye pulled a goal back to briefly raise hopes of a dramatic comeback.

Those hopes lasted only moments, however, as Mbappe responded almost immediately with a stunning strike from outside the penalty area deep into added time.

The goal was his 58th for France, allowing him to surpass Giroud and become the nation’s outright leading scorer while sealing a convincing 3-1 victory.

The result gives France a perfect start to their World Cup campaign and puts them in a strong position in Group I.

The group’s other opening match was scheduled for later on Tuesday, with Iraq taking on Norway in Boston.

 

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