Deschamps hails ‘exemplary’ Mbappe after emotional World Cup moment | OneFootball

France boss Didier Deschamps hailed Kylian Mbappe as an “example” after he added two more World Cup goals to his tally to help France into the round of 16.

Mbappe’s brace and a goal from Bradley Barcola secured France a 3-0 win over Sweden in the round of 32.

French captain Mbappe has now broken the record for most goals in World Cup knockout matches and is just one behind Lionel Messi for all-time World Cup goals.

The 27-year-old ran over to Deschamps after his opening goal of the game to celebrate with the France boss, whose mother died last week.

“Yes obviously on a personal basis, the gesture of Kylian touched me a lot,” Deschamps said.

“He is our captain, and I don’t just say this to speak well of him, because he has been exemplary since day one. So the team was united, they did what they had to do when I was not there, and it was best that I was not there for me, and for them.

“But from the moment where I came back, they know I have been with them and it’s a very good thing. The state and spirit of a team, this does not win matches, but I know too well that it can lose them.

“So from there, even if… I understand also that there can be players who can be disappointed because they don’t play enough, or they don’t play at all. The frustration, but the collective force, it is above everything. And Kylian, as captain, is the best example.”