Deschamps backs Mbappe to break World Cup scoring record

Didier Deschamps, the French national team manager, has expressed strong confidence that Kylian Mbappe is destined to become the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer. Mbappe recently reached a significant milestone, scoring his second brace of the tournament on his 100th international appearance, which saw France secure a 3-0 victory over Iraq.

These crucial goals brought Mbappe’s World Cup tally to 16, drawing him level with legendary German striker Miroslav Klose, the previous record holder. He now trails Lionel Messi by just two goals in the current tournament’s standings.

“Records are there to be broken,” Deschamps stated in a post-match press conference. He highlighted Mbappe’s consistent scoring ability and his impressive 100 caps for France. While acknowledging that Mbappe might not play as long as contemporaries like Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, Deschamps emphasized that as long as the young striker is fit and on the pitch, he will continue to find the back of the net.

“Every time he beats his own record, he does have the capacity to up his ante,” Deschamps added, underscoring Mbappe’s drive for improvement.

Despite the unusual circumstances of the match, which included a lengthy delay due to thunderstorms, Deschamps praised his team’s resilience. The delay pushed the second-half kickoff back by nearly two hours, an unprecedented event for the manager and his players. “We played cards,” Deschamps joked when asked how the team spent the time, before explaining the necessity of a secondary warm-up to avoid injuries on a heavy pitch.

Deschamps also commented on Ousmane Dembele’s performance, expressing optimism after the player scored his first goal of the tournament. He believes Dembele is adapting well to the team’s system and remains a crucial, decisive player for France.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/world-cup/france-coach-deschamps-backs-mbappe-to-break-world-cup-scoring-record-5505766