Kylian Mbappe produces copy & paste performance as his World Cup battle with Lionel Messi continues to produce magic | Football news
This summer’s World Cup was one of the most impressive on the field in recent memory. Not because of parties. Because of two men.
We can all agree that elite European football has become more tactical in recent years. Systems dominate over individual moments. Rigidity suggests creative freedom, with dramatic strikes replaced by a well-designed tap.
That doesn’t mean it’s wrong or not fun. But the story built between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe and the battle of their wits is what makes this World Cup worth watching. And it should be.
Eight goals by one of the top two goalscorers in World Cup history is special in itself. However, it’s the way they go back and forth like boxers trading guns that adds another layer to this.
June 16. Mbappe scored twice in France’s first game against Senegal. June 17. Messi returns with a hat-trick against Jordan. On June 22, Messi took the lead and scored two goals, but hours later Mbappe scored two of his own. And so on until we are there.
These are not the only dogs available. They are haymakers in terms of goals and magic moments, but not enough to leave one in the dust.
What made Mbappe’s recent response against Morocco even more remarkable was how similar it was to Messi’s last display. A missed penalty in the first half when the keeper dived to the left, before getting a goal in the second which proved crucial in the away game.
The saying: “Whatever you can do, I can do better.” It’s a ping pong battle that can have a dramatic ending on the biggest stage.
We saw you four years ago. Mbappe scored a hat-trick, but Messi lifted the trophy. There was no mention of Argentina or France at that time. In fact, there will be very little of them now.
This will be Messi’s last World Cup. He is Mr. World Cup. It doesn’t matter if he keeps the title, that hat he holds will go to Mbappe. The French player took it upon himself to come out on top at the end of the tournament. Both collectively, and personally.
Charlton vs Beckenbauer in 1966. Ronaldo vs Zidane in 1998. Proof that other big battles were there in the World Cup. But nothing like this. There is no neck and neck like what we see here.
The question is, who does the trick?
Keane: Mbappe in charge of all situations
Among Mbappe’s fans in this summer’s competition is Roy Keane of Sky Sports. The Irishman was heard talking about the Real Madrid star following his win over Morocco, saying he ‘handles every situation’ he finds himself in on the pitch.
“The big players tell it what they’re going to do,” Keane said ITV Sport.
“I can criticize the defenders but they are afraid that he will spin them and run behind so that the defenders don’t know what to do. Mbappe is in charge of all situations.”
“There are a lot of good quick players but these guys are like lightning. So defenders have to make decisions quickly and it’s not always going to be good.
“They are electric. You don’t catch these guys. As soon as the defenders start pushing and trying to get back into the game, they leave gaps and the French boys with their speed – it’s a happy day for them. You can’t do anything with speed. When they’re electric like that there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Keane also jumped to Mbappe’s defense in his one low moment of the night – his penalty miss.
Kylian Mbappe was disallowed in the penalty area after a long delay waiting for a kick
The striker’s effort was not easy for Yassine Bounou who made a good save on the left. However, Morocco’s protest over a potential ball in the build-up meant Mbappe had to wait a total of three minutes and ten seconds between winning the penalty and taking it.
“It’s not fair. It’s not fair that he has to wait more than three minutes,” Keane said at half-time.
“It’s a pressure situation. Why is he waiting more than three minutes? It’s not fair even for world-class players. Time is the enemy of the striker and gives the goalkeeper a chance. It’s not fair.”
Highlights from Boston
25 – PUNISHMENT! Mazraoui stepped on Mbappe to concede the penalty.
28 – PUNISHMENT MISSED! Mbappe’s spot-kick was saved by Bono.
35 – WAIT! Bouaddi was dispossessed by Doue but survived.
45+2 –THE BAR! Digne’s long shot hit the crossbar.
60 – GOAL! Mbappe found the distance to fire France in front.
66 – GOAL! Dembele’s shot passed to Bono for a double.
76 – SUB! Mbappe walked away seemingly unscathed after going down.
