Kylian Mbappe scores two goals in two minutes as France equalise with Argentina in World Cup final

Argentina were 10 minutes from a 2-0 victory when the France star struck twice in quick succession

Alex Pattle
Sunday 18 December 2022 17:04 GMT
Comments
Fans in Paris bar celebrate as Kylian Mbappe scores twice in two minutes in World Cup final

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Kylian Mbappe scored a remarkable, quickfire brace in the World Cup final on Sunday, bringing France level with Argentina with 10 minutes left in normal time.

Both nations entered the final in Qatar as two-time champions, with France having won in Russia four years ago, while Lionel Messi was bidding for an elusive first world title with Argentina.

And with 10 minutes left in regular time, the title looked a certainty for Argentina, who had led 2-0 since the first half, thanks to a Messi penalty and Angel Di Maria strike.

France coach Didier Deschamps made numerous substitutions, starting in the first half after Di Maria doubled Argentina’s lead, but they did not bear fruit until Les Bleus sparked into life late on.

In the 80th minute, substitute Randal Kolo Muani was brought down by Nicolas Otamendi in the Argentina box, before Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe scored the resultant penalty.

Within 97 seconds, Mbappe – who turns 24 on Tuesday (20 December) – struck again, driving a half-volley across Emi Martinez’s goal to make it 2-2.

Mbappe’s brace saw him overtake Messi in the race for the golden boot, the goals marking the Frenchman’s sixth and seventh of the Qatar World Cup.

Mbappe also netted a goal in France’s 4-2 win over Croatia in the 2018 final, making him the youngest scorer in a World Cup final since Brazil legend Pele in 1958. Mbappe was 19 at the time.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in