FIFA World Cup 2022: France 3, Poland 1

France moves on to the World Cup quarter-finals after an excellent 3-1 win over Poland.

The opening 40 minutes were a stalemate, with France creating more chances. However, Olivier Giroud broke the deadlock in the 44th minute with a deft finish to the far post after a nice pass by Kylian Mbappé.

Mbappé and France then dominated the second half. And after playing provider in the first half, Mbappé received a pass from Ousmane Dembélé at the top of the box and fired it into the upper third of the net to make 2-0 France. The PSG star was not done there, though, as he whipped the ball into the far upper corner of the Polish goal in stoppage time to seal victory for France.

A late constellation penalty by Robert Lewandowski made the final score 3-1, with France moving on to the quarter-finals. 

Expected goals (xG): France 1.20, Poland 1.61

Man of the Match: Kylian Mbappé, France

Mbappé came to play today, with the whole world watching. He scored two goals and set up the first in a dominating display of technical and athletic ability. His two goals were his eighth and ninth career World Cup goals, taking him past Christiano Ronaldo and level with Lionel Messi in three fewer World Cups. He also completed seven dribbles, three times that of any other player.

It was a special performance by a special player.

Best Passer: Jules Koundé, France

Koundé was the best passer in the match, completing 91.2% of the passes he attempted. He completed 62-of-68 passes and all six line-breaking passes, helping France break down the low block of Poland.

Best Challenger: Dayot Upamecano, France

Dayot Upamecano was a force in the back for France in their win over Poland. He won three of the five aerial duels he was involved in throughout the game. He also won both 50/50 duels and two tackles and successfully defended one dribble.

Standout performer: Olivier Giroud, France

Despite being overshadowed by Mbappé's brilliance, it was a historic day for the AC Milan man. The goal in the 44th helped him pass France and Arsenal legend Theirry Henry for most goals scored by a French men’s national team player. It was Olivier Giroud’s 52nd career goal for the French men’s national team.