In an exhilarating Euro 2024 qualifying match, Kylian Mbappé scored his 54th goal of the season for club and country, surpassing the long-standing French goalscoring record held by Just Fontaine. This blog post delves into the details of the match, Mbappé’s achievement, and France’s perfect qualifying campaign so far.
Introduction:
In a thrilling Euro 2024 qualifying encounter, Kylian Mbappé etched his name in French football history by breaking Just Fontaine’s longstanding record of 53 goals in a single season. The Paris Saint-Germain forward scored the winning goal from the penalty spot to secure a 1-0 victory for France over Greece. This blog post takes a closer look at Mbappé’s record-breaking feat, highlights the key moments of the match, and discusses France’s flawless qualifying campaign.
Breaking the Record:
Mbappé’s 54th goal of the season, both for his club and country, propelled him past the remarkable record set by Just Fontaine during the 1957-58 campaign. Fontaine’s record had remained untouched for over six decades until the young superstar forward rewrote the history books. Mbappé’s achievement exemplifies his exceptional talent and establishes him as one of the greatest goalscorers in French football.
The Match:
France’s encounter with Greece in the Euro 2024 qualifying match was a tightly contested affair. The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Antoine Griezmann was fouled in the penalty area, leading to a spot-kick. Mbappé stepped up to take the penalty, but Greece goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos initially saved his effort. However, Vlachodimos was adjudged to have stepped off his line, resulting in a retaken penalty that Mbappé confidently converted to secure the crucial victory for France.
Greece faced further setbacks when Konstantinos Mavropanos was shown a red card in the 70th minute for a foul on Randal Kolo Muani. Reduced to 10 men, Greece struggled to mount a comeback, allowing France to maintain their perfect qualifying record of four wins from four matches.
France’s Qualifying Campaign:
France’s head coach, Didier Deschamps, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance in the qualifiers. With a young squad, Deschamps acknowledged the need for his players to gain experience in managing game situations effectively. Despite their disappointment in the previous World Cup, France’s remarkable run showcased their strength and potential. The team’s objective is to secure qualification for the Euros in Germany, and their flawless record thus far has put them on track to achieve that goal.
Mbappé’s International Career:
Mbappé’s goal against Greece was his 40th for France in just 70 matches, highlighting his remarkable scoring prowess at the international level. With 14 more goals, he could equal Olivier Giroud’s record as France’s all-time leading goalscorer. The young forward’s contributions have been instrumental in France’s recent success, and his ongoing development promises an exciting future for Les Bleus.
Other Notable Performances:
In other Euro qualifying action, England continued their impressive start with a dominant 7-0 victory over North Macedonia. Harry Kane, England’s all-time top scorer, added two goals to his tally, bringing his total to 58 goals for the national team. Bukayo Saka, the talented Arsenal youngster, delivered a remarkable hat-trick, while Marcus Rashford and Kalvin Phillips also found the back of the net. England’s flawless run in the qualifiers places them firmly at the top of their group, maintaining a comfortable lead over second-placed Ukraine.
Conclusion:
Kylian Mbappé’s record-breaking goal against Greece in the Euro 2024 qualifiers cements his status as a remarkable talent in French football. Surpassing Just Fontaine’s long-standing record, Mbappé’s achievement showcases his goal-scoring prowess and places him among the country’s footballing legends. As France’s perfect qualifying campaign continues, the team is poised to secure their place in the Euros in Germany. In the broader Euro qualifying landscape, England’s dominant performance further solidifies their position as a formidable force.
