Mbappe maintains France's winning streak.

With contributions from Mbappe, France easily defeated Gibraltar 3-0, securing a perfect record of three wins in their first three Euro 2024 qualifying matches.

Goals: Giroud 3', Mbappe penalty 45'+3, Mouelhi own goal 78'

France fielded their strongest lineup, despite Gibraltar being ranked only 201st in FIFA. The 2022 World Cup runners-up quickly took control, possessing the ball 82% of the time and having 24 shots on goal. The match took place in Faro, Portugal, as Gibraltar's home stadium was not up to standard.

In the third minute, France opened the scoring. Following a cross from Kingsley Coman, Olivier Giroud headed the ball into the net from six meters out, beating goalkeeper Dayle Coleing. The 36-year-old striker raised his goalscoring record for the French national team to 54 goals, three more than legendary Thierry Henry.

Giroud celebrates his 54th goal for the French national team in the match on the evening of June 16th. Photo: AP

Under pressure from France, Gibraltar only had three shots, none of which were on target. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Coleing's goal became a practice target for the French players. With more precision, the World Cup runners-up could have scored twice as many goals.

In the third minute of added time in the first half, Mbappe extended the lead to 2-0. The 24-year-old striker successfully converted a penalty after Roy Chipolina handled the ball inside the penalty area. This was Mbappe's 39th goal for "Les Bleus".

Mbappe scored a penalty against Gibraltar on the evening of June 16th. Photo: AP

France continued to dominate in the second half, but their finishing was ineffective. Opportunities slipped through the fingers of Giroud, Mbappe, Griezmann, Dembele, and Muani. It wasn't until the 78th minute that France sealed the victory. Mbappe's pass led to Mouelhi scoring an own goal against Gibraltar.

With their victory over the bottom-placed team, France continues to lead Group B in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Mbappe and his teammates have nine points and a goal difference of 8-0 after three matches. Greece is second with six points, but has played one fewer game. The Netherlands is third with three points after two matches. Ireland and Gibraltar have yet to score any points.

Malta 0-3 France — Key events of the Gibraltar 0-3 France match.

In their two previous matches, France beat the Netherlands 4-0 and Ireland 1-0. Coach Didier Deschamps' team has not dropped points or conceded a single goal since losing to Argentina in the penalty shootout of the 2022 World Cup final. On June 19th, France will host Greece.

Thanh Quy

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