Geoff Hurst reacts to Kylian Mbappe equalling his World Cup final hat-trick record
Mbappe became only the second man, after hero of 1966 Hurst, to score a treble in a men’s World Cup final but France lost to Argentina
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.Until now, Geoff Hurst had been the only man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup 2022 final but after seeing Kylian Mbappe equal his record in Sunday’s incredible showpiece between France and Argentina, the England legend was magnanimous in his response.
French superstar Mbappe, at the age of just 23 and having already won the World Cup as a teenager in 2018, scored a hat-trick as Les Bleus fought back from 2-0 down to force extra time and then battled back from falling a goal behind in the additional 30 minutes to take the final to a penalty shootout.
With two of his three goals having already come from the penalty spot, Mbappe was perfect again from 12 yards in the shootout but Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni both missed before Gonzalo Montiel netted the decisive spot-kick to spark wild scenes of celebration for Argentina.
Hurst was the only previous player to grab a treble in a men’s World Cup final after his three goals helped England beat West Germany 4-2 in 1966.
World Cup Golden Boot: Mbappe beats Messi as top goalscorer at Qatar 2022
Kylian Mbappe sets World Cup record despite defeat to Argentina
Argentina win World Cup after penalty shootout victory over France
World Cup final player ratings: Mbappe produces heroics but Argentina beat France on penalties in classic
Having netted once in the victory over Croatia in the 2018 showpiece, Mbappe also became the first man to score four goals in finals - leapfrogging Hurst, Vava, Pele and Zinedine Zidane on three, with the latter trio grabbing their hauls across two finals.
In response to Mbappe’s hat-trick heroics, Hurst tweeted: “Many congratulations to Mbappe, whatever happens. I’ve had a great run!”
The Three Lions icon scored 24 goals in 49 international games between 1966 and 1972, while the French superstar already has 36 goals in 66 matches for his country.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments