Kylian Mbappe sets World Cup record despite defeat to Argentina

The PSG forward, still only 23, is the first man to score four goals in finals and only the second to net a hat-trick

Pa Sport Staff
Sunday 18 December 2022 13:20 EST
Comments
Fans in Buenos Aires erupt in celebrations as Argentina wins World Cup 2022

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 took his tally of World Cup final goals to a record four with a hat-trick on Sunday as France drew 3-3 with Argentina before being beaten on penalties.

It was only the second ever treble in a men’s World Cup final, matching England striker Sir Geoff Hurst in 1966, and here we look at each of the efforts from the 23-year-old Paris St Germain forward over the last two finals.

2018 World Cup

Mbappe, then aged 19, registered the last of France’s goals – and his fourth of the tournament – in the 4-2 triumph over Croatia that saw them claim the trophy in Russia. He struck in the 65th minute at the Luzhniki Stadium to put Les Bleus 4-1 up, firing a low effort from distance past Danijel Subasic. It made him the first teenager to score in a World Cup final since a 17-year-old Pele did so for Brazil in 1958.

2022 World Cup – first goal

Having gone into Sunday’s showdown at Lusail Stadium with five goals already to his name for the tournament, Mbappe was presented with the chance to add another – and give France a lifeline at 2-0 down – when Polish referee Szymon Marciniak judged Nicolas Otamendi to have pulled back Randal Kolo Muani in the box and awarded a penalty with around 10 minutes of normal time remaining. The resulting effort from 12 yards squeezed past Emiliano Martinez, who guessed the right way but could not stop the ball going in.

2022 World Cup – second goal

Moments later, France were level, with Mbappe the man on the scoresheet once again. After the ball was worked from Kingsley Coman to Adrien Rabiot, Mbappe played a one-two with Marcus Thuram and cracked the ball into the net, sending the match into extra time.

2022 World Cup – third goal

Mbappe then completed his incredible treble by providing another equaliser with only two minutes left in the additional period, again scoring from the spot to pip Lionel Messi to the Golden Boot. Gonzalo Montiel was penalised for a handball, and Mbappe converted in emphatic fashion.

He went on to beat Martinez again in the subsequent shoot-out but ended up on the losing side as Argentina prevailed 4-2.

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