Mbappé’s Pursuit of History Continues in Iraq Showdown

The French international had only achieved the France all team leading scorer spot after his brace in the game against Senegal, in his 99th outing in the national colours.

The 27 year old scored twice in France’ 3:1 win over Senegal in the World Cup opener to take his French tally to 58, surpassing previous record holder Olivier Giroud at 57.

“There is nothing bigger than the national team. There’s nothing bigger than the national team. One hundred, that’s historic. All the more when it’s the World Cup ,” an anxious Kylian had to say at the pre match press conference.

A win today sends France into the knockouts, which is likely to see him surpass his team coach Didier Deschamps, the French former midfielder in his 103 caps for France, just at the world cups, barring of injury or suspension.

Mbappe debuted for France in 2017, aged 18 years, went on to win the world cups with the Les Bleus the following year 2018, in Russia finding the back of the net on 4 occasions, during the tournament in his debut.

The 27 years old would today be listed along the 9 others who have made 100 caps for France as the 10th man to achieve the milestone. Going by this momentum, Mbappe is set to reach and overtake former French shot stopper Hugo Lloris’ most capped record of 145.

Mbappe currently sits third joint with Gerd Muller in the World Cup scoring chart with 14 goals, with only 3 player above him in this listing, Ronaldo de Lima, 15, and joint record holders, Lionel Messi and Miroslav Klose 16 each.

“The importance and the stakes of the match are what really matter. We need a win to go through,” Mbappe has expressed that France as a team is more focused on getting to the knockout stage of the competition, and the camp are in high mood heading into the Iraq game.