FIFA WC 2022: Goals from Mbappe, Giroud help France advance to quarter-finals

DOHA: A first-half goal from Olivier Giroud and a brace from Kylian Mbappe in the second half gave defending champions France a 3-1 victory against Poland here at Al Thumama Stadium in the round of 16 match of the World Cup. Robert Lewandowski scored a consolation goal for Poland through a penalty in the final action of the night.

The French team started off aggressively and came close to scoring but couldn't find a breakthrough. Poland found themselves enjoying good possession and came close to breaking the deadlock but was denied by Hugo Lloris and France's defence. They were made to rue for their misses as Olivier Giroud converted Kylian Mbappe's through ball in the 44th minute.

France enjoyed a lot of space in the second half as Poland pushed for an equalizer. The Polish defence didn't give much effort to close down spaces attacked by France's forwards, especially Mbappe as PSG superstar doubled the lead in the 74th minute. The game was practically over as Poland showed no intent to make a comeback. Again, in injury time, Mbappe scored his second with a curling effort as Polish defenders looked on as mere spectators.

In the final minute of the match, Poland was awarded a penalty which was converted by Robert Lewandowski after a retake.

In the quarter-finals, France will face the winners of the round of 16 match between Senegal and England later tonight.