Kylian Mbappe headed home his first goal of the 2022 World Cup as France pulled away from Australia in their Group D opener.

 

Australia had taken shock leadMbappe made it 3-1 in second halfHeader was 23-year-old’s first of tournament

WHAT HAPPENED? Mbappe’s snap shot across the Australia goal initially flew well wide but was picked up by Ousmane Dembele on the France right. He whipped in a teasing cross which Mbappe met at pace, firing home a fine header that crashed in off the post and putting Les Blues 3-1 up and firmly in control.

The boy wonder has his goal ⭐

Kylian Mbappe rises highest to extend France’s lead.

?? 3-1 ??

??? Watch on @BBCiPlayer, listen on @BBCSounds, get more on the @BBCSport app#BBCWorldCup #BBCFootball

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 22, 2022

MBAPPE SCORES HIS FIRST GOAL OF THE 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP ???

France takes a 3-1 lead pic.twitter.com/MxShrtsNTE

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 22, 2022

THE BIGGER PICTURE: The goal was the 23-year-old’s first of the tournament, which both he and France fans will be hoping is one of many in Qatar. Australia had shocked the holders by going 1-0 up within nine minutes, but first-half goals from Adrien Rabiot and Olivier Giroud restored order in the Al-Janoub Stadium, before the latter equalled Thierry Henry’s France tally of 51 goals to make it 4-1.

WHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE? After cruising to victory on opening day, France will go on to face Denmark on Saturday, after Kasper Huljmand’s side played out a 0-0 draw in their Group D opener against Mexico.