FIFA World Cup Round of 16 : France vs Poland

 France demolished Poland 3-1 in the round of 16 to advance to the quarterfinals of this World Cup, as Olivier Giroud opened the scoring & then Kylian Mbappe scored a brace to ensure smooth passage for the reigning champions. 

Oliver Giroud became France's leading all time goal scorer, going beyond Thierry Henry, with his 52nd goal for LesBleus. Just before the lemon break, Mbappe slid the ball in the path of Giroud inside the box & his left footer went past the full stretch Szczesny to give France the lead 1-0. Earlier Poland, missed gilt edged chances, as Zielinski's shot from point blank was saved by French keeper Lloris, before Upamecano put his body to block off the 2nd attempt, & then Varance cleared with confidence to thwart any danger, as French defense breathed a sigh of relief. Poland had to pay a heavy price for not being able to convert their chances & at half time France led 1-0. 

Poland, whose performance was far better & pressing in the 1st half than their last game against Argentina, were expected to come out with all guns blazing, but it was France who started to dominate the game, as their forwards pushed for more. With around 15 minutes left to final whistle, Mbappe fired in the second goal for France, as Dembele cut in from the right flank & fed Mbappe in the middle, who slammed a right footer bullet into the net, 2-0. With the game moving into injury time, Mbappe fired again, receiving a lovely pass from Thuram & hammered into the right hand corner of the net to take the score to 3-0, as the Les Blues started to celebrate. Lewandowski reduced the margin with a spot kick, which he initially missed & Lloris saved, but got a second chance to the shot, as Lloris was out of the line & other French players had moved before the strike. The final score was 3-1, & Poland perished. It was a sub par performance in the tournament & they were lucky to be in the round of 16 - they had their chances today, but could not capitalise in the first half & paid the price, as France blew them away. 

While Olivier Giroud becomes France's highest scorer with 52 goals, Kylian Mbappe, with a brace today takes his tally to 5 in this tournament, leading the Golden Boot for now. France will meet the winners of the match later in the evening between England & Senegal.