Kylian Mbappé hailed by international press after France 3-0 Iraq in storm | OneFootball

France reached the last 32 of the World Cup in Philadelphia, beating Iraq 3-0 after a storm halted play for more than two hours, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice. International reaction was glowing.

Argentina’s Olé noted that, even with Lionel Messi setting a World Cup scoring record of 18, Mbappé led France through the downpour and reinforced their standing among the favourites.

Spain’s Marca described Mbappé as the storm and awarded him 9.4 out of 10, evoking the 1974 Germany v Poland Water Battle while lauding a marathon night shaped by the France captain.

AS argued France qualified without suffering or sparkle, consistent with Didier Deschamps’ ruthlessly efficient era, and suggested the team still play below their ceiling. It highlighted the Dembélé, Olise and Mbappé trident, with Dembélé central and Olise wide right, and said Mbappé settled it with a sharp effort from outside the area.

Germany’s ARD quipped that only force majeure could stop France, then added that banking on a dip seems naive before a possible last 16 meeting with Germany. It said Mbappé looks in peak form despite some judging his Real Madrid season harshly even at 42 goals.

Source: L'Équipe