What more could you expect? The bar has already been set incredibly high. And so it felt inevitable that on the night in the World Cup quarter-finals, Kylian Mbappe once again showcased his remarkable mental strength, bouncing back from a missed penalty to score the 20th World Cup goal of his career at the age of just 27.
“Reaching the semi-finals is always a fantastic feeling,” said the Superior Player of the Match award winner. “I think it’s a big milestone for us as a group. We’re over the moon to be back among the last four teams once again. For some of the more experienced lads in the squad, it’s their third time.”
The first ended with victory over Croatia in the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, while the second saw France finish as runners-up after defeat to Argentina.
Mbappe’s focus is solely on what lies ahead and, when asked whether this outstanding France side is the strongest he has ever played in, he could only respond with a wry smile before saying: “I’ve always believed the strongest teams are the ones that lift trophies and, unless I’m mistaken, I don’t see the World Cup trophy sitting beside me, so no.
“This France side has the highest potential,” he added. “But whether other teams are afraid of us doesn’t really matter. Feelings don’t win football matches.”
Even after squandering the penalty he had won himself against Yassine Bounou, statistically the goalkeeper most likely to deny opponents from the spot, Mbappe refused to let his performance levels drop.
On the hour mark, he burst into life, drove at his marker on the edge of the box and bent a right-footed effort into the top corner, beyond the reach of the outstanding Bounou, who had been exceptional in the first half. Moments later, one of his passes picked out the run of Ousmane Dembele, who made no mistake in front of goal to seal the 2-0 victory.
“His mental strength is out of this world, but we still expect to see even more from him,” said Dembele, almost in disbelief. A few days earlier, Deschamps had admitted he expected even more goals from his attacking players. Mbappe responded like a true leader.
“It’s a team I’ve got a great deal of affection for. There are many lads in this squad who are close friends of mine and who I’ve known for a long time. There are also younger lads in the squad who look up to me as one of the more experienced players. I’ve got to lead by example, particularly emotionally, because I’ve got more World Cup appearances under my belt than anyone else in this squad.”
There is a growing sense that France’s devastating attack is only just beginning to find top gear. With Mbappe leading the way, having bagged 11 goals in his last seven World Cup matches, France look ready to step it up and take their performances to another level.
“We play with the passion of representing our country. There’s nothing more important for a footballer, and we’re all well aware of that. We also try to make a point of showing the younger lads what it really means to represent your country at a World Cup.”
He speaks like a seasoned veteran these days, but it is well worth remembering that Mbappe is still only 27 and, as he shares top spot with Messi in the race, he is now just one goal away from equalling the all-time World Cup scoring record.
Sources: FIFA Official
