France overcame a sluggish start to begin their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal on Tuesday in New Jersey, inspired by a second-half masterclass from star forward Kylian Mbappe.
The 2022 World Cup finalists struggled to find their rhythm before the break despite controlling possession.
Senegal looked the more dangerous side in attack and nearly made the breakthrough midway through the half when Nicolas Jackson struck the post.
The Chelsea forward also wasted another promising opportunity just before halftime, firing over the bar.
France’s lacklustre display was reflected in the statistics, managing just one shot and producing little attacking threat during the opening 45 minutes.
The contest changed after the restart as Didier Deschamps’ men emerged with greater urgency.
Mbappe was at the heart of the improvement and came close to winning a penalty in the 59th minute after going down inside the area, but a VAR review ruled against the appeal.
The breakthrough finally arrived seven minutes later. Michael Olise delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Mbappe, who calmly beat goalkeeper Édouard Mendy to give France the lead.
France continued to dominate proceedings and doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute. Adrien Rabiot’s incisive through ball released Bradley Barcola, who produced a composed finish by lifting the ball over Mendy.
Senegal pulled one back deep into stoppage time through a brilliant solo effort from Ibrahim Mbaye, briefly raising hopes of a late comeback.
Those hopes were quickly extinguished when Mbappe struck again from long range moments later to seal the win and complete a memorable opening performance.
France will face Iraq in their next Group I fixture in Philadelphia on Monday, while Senegal take on Norway later the same day in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
