Strong World Cup debut! Bayern star Olise shines for France | OneFootball

Michael Olise made a big impression in France’s World Cup opener. The Bayern star set up two goals and played a major role in the 3-1 victory over Senegal.

FC Bayern can celebrate another key player’s successful start at the World Cup. Michael Olise was one of the decisive players on the field during France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal and emerged as the match winner with two assists.

For a long time, the heavy favorite struggled against the defensively strong Africans. Although France controlled much of the match, it initially had little success breaking down Senegal’s compact defense. Then Olise struck.

In the 66th minute, the attacking midfielder played a brilliant pass to Kylian Mbappé, who coolly converted it to give France the lead. It was the play that finally tipped the game in France’s favor.

The Bayern Munich pro was also involved in the third goal. In stoppage time, Olise once again set up Mbappé, who sealed the victory with his second goal of the evening. In the meantime, Bradley Barcola had extended the lead to 2–0.

With his two assists, Olise once again underscored his enormous importance to the French offense. The 24-year-old was one of the most prominent players throughout the match and repeatedly created moments of creativity in the Équipe Tricolore’s attacking play.

Upamecano starts – Jackson hits the post

From Bayern’s perspective, there were other familiar faces on the field. Center back Dayot Upamecano started for France from the opening whistle.

For Senegal, former Bayern loanee Nicolas Jackson and ex-Bayern star Sadio Mané took the field. Jackson, in particular, made a splash in the first half. The forward outpaced Upamecano on a quick counterattack and hit the post with a low shot.

Photo: IMAGO

Overall, Senegal put up a strong fight for a long time, at times evoking memories of their legendary 1-0 victory over France at the 2002 World Cup. It wasn’t until after halftime that the favorites picked up the pace and began to find more openings.

Olise had a chance to take the lead shortly after the break, but was initially denied by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. A short time later, he set up the decisive moment of the match with a dream pass to Mbappé.