France star Kylian Mbappe shrugs off critics after World Cup opener brace

The France captain scored twice in a 3-1 win over Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, helping Les Bleus begin their quest for a third World Cup title in style while cementing his place in the country's football history.

Mbappe's second goal of the afternoon, a spectacular long-range effort deep into stoppage time, took him to 58 international goals, moving him past Olivier Giroud as France's all-time leading scorer. The brace also saw him continue his climb up the World Cup scoring charts, ending the day level with German legend Gerd Muller on 14 goals.

Despite the personal milestones, Mbappe made it clear his focus remains firmly on team success rather than answering those who have questioned him following a difficult season with Real Madrid.

"I play to mark the history of my country and make sure that my team is in the final and win the World Cup," Mbappe said after the match.

"There is no revenge against critics. If I started playing for all the people who criticise me and to shut them up, I would have to play until I'm 80.

"After my brace, I thought about my relatives, my family and my close friends who were here today. Every time I score it's for them."

The 27-year-old arrived at the tournament under intense scrutiny after Real endured a second successive trophyless campaign. Frustrated supporters regularly booed him at the Santiago Bernabeu, while reports in Spain claimed a fan petition calling for his departure attracted more than a million signatures.

France teammate Ousmane Dembele publicly defended Mbappe before the tournament, but the forward delivered his response on the pitch with a match-winning performance.

France were frustrated for long periods of the first half and were fortunate not to fall behind when Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson struck the post. Mbappe had only 14 touches before the break as Senegal largely kept him quiet.

The game changed after halftime. Mbappe finally found space in the 66th minute, racing beyond Kalidou Koulibaly to latch onto Michael Olise's pass before calmly finishing past Edouard Mendy.

The goal celebration drew almost as much attention as the finish. Mbappe mimicked playing a flute, fulfilling a promise he made to television host James Corden during a pre-tournament interview after revealing he had learned the instrument as a child.

Substitute Bradley Barcola doubled France's advantage eight minutes from time before Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal in stoppage time. Any hopes of a late comeback disappeared just over a minute later when Mbappe unleashed a stunning strike from around 30 yards that flew beyond Mendy and into the top corner.

"A crazy goal," said France defender William Saliba.

Coach Didier Deschamps was equally impressed, praising the forward's ability to decide matches in an instant.

"He can from time to time miss a game or two but on one action he really is able to tip the scales and bring his team to victory," Deschamps said. "People say he doesn't defend enough. Well, he's not here to defend."

The victory puts France in a strong position in Group I ahead of Monday's clash with Iraq in Philadelphia. Another win would move the 2018 world champions a step closer to the knockout stages as they pursue a third consecutive World Cup final appearance.