Mbappe Unstoppable Even by Downpour: Scores Brace to Close In on Messi

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Not even the heavy rain pouring onto the pitch could stop French football star Kylian Mbappe. Scoring multiple goals against Iraq, Mbappe has reached 16 career World Cup goals, tying for second place on the all-time scoring list. He is now hot on the heels of the leader, Lionel Messi, trailing by just two goals.

Reporter Cho Min-ki has the story.

[Reporter]

[Graham Arnold / Iraq National Football Team Head Coach (June 22): I asked if we could field three goalkeepers, but they said no.]

Just as the Iraqi coach’s half-joking concern suggested before the match, Mbappe’s scoring instincts were at their peak.

After netting two goals in the opening match against Senegal, Mbappe warmed up in the 8th minute, connecting with a right-footed volley after the ball deflected off a defender.

Six minutes later, he opened the floodgates with a left-footed long-range strike.

His powerful left-footed shot from outside the penalty box pierced through the Iraqi goalkeeper's hands and found the back of the net.

While France finished the first half with a 1-0 lead amidst heavy rain, the match was suspended for over two hours due to lightning before resuming, but Mbappe’s momentum did not cool down.

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

During an Iraqi goal kick, Ousmane Dembele intercepted a defensive passing error, and Mbappe rushed toward the goal to finish the play.

Mbappe threatened the Iraqi goal with eight shots, the most by any player on both teams and the highest number of shots Mbappe has ever attempted in a single World Cup match.

Exploding for four goals in just two matches, Mbappe has now recorded 16 career World Cup goals, closing the gap to just two behind Messi, who has 18.

[Kylian Mbappe / France National Football Team: If I only focus on what Leo (Messi) is doing, I would have to do much more than that. So I don't look at what he does at all. I only think about helping my team.]

France secured a 3-0 victory over Iraq with a clinching goal from Dembele in the 66th minute, marking their second consecutive win and confirming their spot in the Round of 32.

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