Mbappe breaks the record of legendary Fontaine

France With a goal against Greece, helping France win 1-0 in the Euro 2024 qualifiers last night, Kylian Mbappe became the French player with the most goals in a season at club and international level.

Mbappe celebrates scoring against Greece on the evening of June 19. Photo: LP

In the 55th minute of the match at the Stade de France, Mbappe took the responsibility of taking the penalty after Kostas Mavropanos launched a kung fu kick at Antoine Griezmann in the Greek penalty area. Mbappe's initial kick was saved by goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos. However, referee Mateu Lahoz detected the Greek player's early movement and gave Mbappe a retake. This time, the 2022 World Cup top scorer did not miss.

This is Mbappe's 54th goal since the start of the 2022-2023 season, enough to surpass Just Fontaine to become the French player with the most goals in a season at club and international level.

Fontaine set the previous record in the 1957-1958 season. His achievements included 39 goals for Reims and 14 goals for France. He scored 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup, thereby becoming the player with the most goals in a World Cup finals. On February 28, Fontaine passed away at the age of 89. Mbappe's record includes 41 goals for PSG and 13 goals for France.

Mavropanos plays high kick against Griezmann. Photo: LP

Before and after Mbappe's goal, Greece successfully restrained France. From the start, the visitors played a crowded defense. France only had two shots on goal during the first half.

The home team's knot was only untied by a poor performance from Greek defender Mavropanos. After making a mistake that led to a penalty, in the 69th minute he continued to foul Kolo Muani and received a second yellow card.

Thanks to their man advantage, France created more chances. However, they were still unlucky in open play, with Muani and Jules Kounde missing two chances that could have increased the gap.

In contrast to the Greek side, the French defence had an easy day. Greece only had three shots, not enough to challenge the back four and the home goalkeeper Maignan. Eduardo Camavinga was one of the best French players. The 20-year-old midfielder constantly had attacking moves and helped France control the ball 59%.

Winning all four matches, France is the sole leader of Group B of the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Previously, Mbappe and his teammates beat the Netherlands 4-0, Ireland 1-0 and Gibraltar 3-0. They are six points ahead of Greece. However, this gap is not fixed because Greece has played one less match.

Each group in the Euro qualifying round has two tickets to the finals. If France continues to play well, they can secure a ticket after the next two matches. The finals will take place in Germany from June 14 to July 14, 2024.

Thanh Quy

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