France star Kylian Mbappes World Cup brilliance reaches another level in quarterfinal win

FOXBOROUGH, Mass.— He is, with every match, moving himself further on into history.This time it was Kylian Mbappé’s 20th goal in 20 career World Cup contests, his eighth of this tournament to tie Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot lead and to break open Thursday’s quarterfinal in favor of France.Mbappé has never been eliminated from a World Cup before the final, this one being the third time of asking.

You would not bet on it being the first, with France, 2-0 victors over Morocco on Thursday and moving onto the semis, allowing all of one shot on goal even as the Atlas Lions’ defense gave them a stern test.“We know there’s only one way to relax,” Mbappé said, speaking to French broadcaster M6.“And that’s to win.“We’re in the semifinals, we’re very happy, but there’s still a long way to go.

We know what lies ahead is even tougher than what we’ve already been through, but we’re ready to face anything.”There is something about Mbappé — boyish in 2018, all grown up in 2022 — seeming to reach his final form this summer.He’s 27, at the peak of his powers, and has shown it at nearly every opportunity.For all of five minutes Thursday, when France coach Didier Deschamps told M6 following the game that Mbappé had an ankle issue, leading to his exit after 78 minutes for Jean-Philippe Mateta, there was a glimmer of worry.

The man himself shut it down shortly thereafter.“I’m fine,” he said.“I took a knock to my ankle but I’m OK.” Built for match days and everyday wear, this officially licensed USMNT tee brings classic national pride wherever you go.

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