France struck early by Michael Olise and sealed the points with a late Kylian Mbappe Discussion to beat Ukraine 2-0 on Friday and to open his world cup qualifying campaign in style.
The 82nd minute strike by Mbappe, founded by his real Madrid teammate Aurelien Tchouameni at the end of a fast counterattack, raised the attacker to 51 international goals and attracted him level with Thierry Henry in second place in France’s scoring list behind Olivier Giroud (57).
Second half replacement Ousmane Dembele, who had already missed the training this week with a thighing problem, worsened the same injury after replacing Desire Doue with the interval.
Doue had contracted his right -handed eagle before half time and could not continue. The evening of Dembele also ended early when he arrived in the 81st minute, giving him room for Hugo Ekitike to earn his first cap.
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The blues Had the opening half in a slick 4-2-3-1 formation, their pace and movement repeatedly pulled Ukraine apart.
Olise gave France the lead after 10 minutes, sliding in a Bradley Barcola pass, and the only goalkeeper Anatoliy Trinn’s sharp reflexes prevented further damage when he denied Olise for a second and later denied Dembele after a delicate tchouameni chip about the defense.
Ukraine, who was threatened in the box early with dangerous crosses, came to life after the hour. Ibrahima Konate cleaned up the line from Ivan Kalyuzhnyi before Illia Zabarnyi hit Mike Maignan’s post, briefly the backline of France under real pressure.
But as soon as Mbappe clearly sprinted to deliver the murderous blow with a low ride, Deschamps’ she could watch the last minutes with comfort.
The result gives the 2018 world champion an early lead in group D against the toughest opposition. The group also includes Iceland and Azerbaijan.
France houses Iceland, which Azerbaijan has destroyed 5-0 in Paris, while Ukraine travels to Baku.
Published on 06 September 2025
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