Mbappé, deluge and ponchos as France v Iraq first half in pictures | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring on 14 minutes, then a deluge descended to dominate a frenetic first half, with France 1-0 up in Philadelphia.

According to L'Équipe, heavy rain lashed the Lincoln Financial Field from the 37th minute and a long pause followed, extended because of the risk of thunderstorms. A storm warning appeared on the stadium’s giant screens.

Before kick-off, the Philadelphia skyline was swallowed by grey skies. Lucas Hernandez, Rayan Cherki and Maxence Lacroix smiled through the warm-up, while Iraqi women supporters gathered.

France came together to celebrate Mbappé’s early strike. Under driving rain, Mbappé shared a few words with Ousmane Dembélé.

Late in the half, Ousmane Dembélé pressed Ahmed Basil. In the stands, ponchos were everywhere as photographers scrambled for shelter.

Source: L'Équipe