The goals, minute by minute
- 66'Kylian MbappéGoal · 1-0
- 82'Bradley BarcolaGoal · 2-0
- 90'+5'Ibrahim MbayeGoal · 2-1
- 90'+6'Kylian MbappéGoal · 3-1
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
France (3rd FIFA) vs Senegal (15th FIFA)
Level of the teams
- France: a luxury squad (Mbappé, Dembélé, Olise), group favorite, though it conceded in every friendly this year.
- Senegal: Africa Cup champion, physical and dangerous; already pulled off the shock against France in 2002. The main rival for the group.
Key factors
- France has more attacking pedigree (Mbappé near a historic record).
- Senegal is physical and can unsettle with its intensity.
- Possible "group of death": a maximum-demand clash.
Prediction
Most likely result: 2-1 France (alternative: 1-1)
- France win: 55%
- Draw: 25%
- Senegal win: 20%
Player to watch: Kylian Mbappé, can decide the game at any moment.
Final verdict, Confidence: medium-high
France is the favorite on attacking pedigree, but Senegal is one of the trickiest opponents. A narrow French win is the most likely scenario.