Mbappe fires France into World Cup last 8
China Daily
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France's Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring their third goal during the round of 16 match of FIFA World Cup against Poland at Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar, December 4, 2022. [Photo: Agencies]

DOHA - Kylian Mbappe scored two goals and set up another as defending champions France advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals with a 3-1 win over Poland on Sunday.

Olivier Giroud surpassed Thierry Henry as France's all-time leading scorer when he put the Les Bleus ahead with a low finish just before halftime.

Mbappe struck twice in the last 25 minutes before Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty in the last minute of stoppage time following a Dayot Upamecano handball.

The result means France will meet the winner of the round-of-16 match between England and Senegal in the quarterfinals on Saturday (Dec. 10) while Poland are eliminated.

Mbappe's sharpness was evident early as Aston Villa's Matty Cash afforded him time and space on the left wing. The Paris Saint-Germain forward sent two dangerous crosses into the box in as many minutes as Poland's defense struggled to settle.

France had their first genuine scoring opportunity when Aurelien Tchouameni found space in a central area and thumped a 25-yard drive that forced a smart save from Wojciech Szczesny.