Mbappe and Haaland Both Net Two Goals: The Fierce Race for the Golden Boot

[Anchor]

The dazzling performances of top strikers are heating up the race for the World Cup Golden Boot. France's Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland have both scored two goals in each of their first two matches, leading their respective teams to consecutive victories.

Cho Min-ki reports.

[Reporter]

After netting two goals in the opening match against Senegal, Mbappe’s form remained red-hot in the second match against Iraq.

Mbappe opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a powerful left-footed strike from distance.

The thunderous shot from outside the penalty box pierced through the hands of the Iraqi goalkeeper and found the back of the net.

With France leading 1-0 in heavy rain, the match was suspended for over two hours due to lightning. However, even after the restart, Mbappe’s momentum did not cool down.

Just nine minutes into the second half, he completed his second consecutive multi-goal game.

Following a defensive error during an Iraqi goal kick, Ousmane Dembele intercepted the ball, and Mbappe sprinted toward the goal to finish the play.

With four goals in just two matches, Mbappe has now reached 16 career World Cup goals, closing in on Lionel Messi’s record of 18.

France secured a 3-0 victory over Iraq, bolstered by a late goal from Dembele in the 66th minute, and confirmed their spot in the Round of 32 with two straight wins.

Erling Haaland, the star striker for Norway in their first-ever World Cup appearance, also achieved multi-goal performances in two consecutive games.

Leading 1-0 against Senegal, Haaland received a brilliant through ball from Martin Odegaard in the 48th minute, penetrated the defensive line, and finished with a left-footed shot.

Five minutes later, after Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr narrowed the gap to 2-1 in the 53rd minute, Haaland soared once again.

This time, he finished a cross from a teammate with his right foot.

Norway, powered by Haaland’s two goals, held off a late surge from Senegal—who scored another goal in stoppage time—to win 3-2. With two consecutive victories, Norway also secured their place in the Round of 32.

Norway, currently second in the group behind France on goal difference, will face France in the third match to decide the group winner. The showdown between Haaland and Mbappe is expected to be the most anticipated match of the group stage.

(Video Editing: Won Hyung-hee)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.