Kylian Mbappe moved closer to France’s scoring record in a 2-1 win over Brazil, a confidence boost for Les Bleus ahead of the World Cup.
FOXBOROUGH: Kylian Mbappe moved to within one goal of France’s all-time scoring record as his side secured a 2-1 victory over Brazil in a high-profile friendly. The match at Gillette Stadium saw France overcome a second-half red card to claim a morale-boosting win.
Mbappe gave France the lead just after the half-hour mark with a delightful chipped finish past goalkeeper Ederson. The goal was his 56th in 95 international appearances, leaving him one shy of Olivier Giroud’s record.
France’s defender Dayot Upamecano was sent off early in the second half following a VAR review. Despite being reduced to ten men, Les Bleus doubled their lead on 65 minutes through Hugo Ekitike.
Brazil pulled a goal back 12 minutes from time via Juventus defender Gleison Bremer. Didier Deschamps’ side held on for a valuable win against one of the World Cup’s leading contenders.
“I said beforehand that we couldn’t take too much away from this game,” Mbappe told broadcaster TF1. “It showed we are in a good dynamic.”
The result is a positive sign for France with the World Cup just over two months away. Mbappe’s return to scoring form is particularly welcome after a recent knee injury.
Brazil, under coach Carlo Ancelotti, were missing several key players including Alisson Becker and Rodrygo. They will look to rebound when they face Croatia next Tuesday.
France play Colombia on Sunday, where Mbappe could equal or break the national scoring record.
