France Defeats Azerbaijan 3-0 in 2026 World Cup Qualifier
France edges past Azerbaijan in the 2026 World Cup qualifier, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a decisive goal.
Kylian Mbappe continued to test the Azerbaijani defense, getting denied twice in quick succession by goalkeeper Behlul Mustafazade...
Kylian Mbappe continued his impressive form, contributing to two goals as France defeated Azerbaijan 3-0 in France their World Cup qualifying match. The scoreline was a more subdued affair compared to the 10-0 thrashing France inflicted on Azerbaijan in their previous encounter in 1995.
Mbappe wasted no time making his presence felt, firing France's first shot narrowly over the crossbar just 15 seconds into the match. The opportunity arose after Azerbaijan's Anton Kryvotsyuk failed to control a pass, leaving Mbappe free to take aim at goal.
Azerbaijan weathered the early storm and began to find their footing, becoming more secure as the match progressed. Despite this, France maintained possession and created scoring opportunities, with Malo Gusto testing the Azerbaijani goalkeeper Shakhruddin Magomedaliyev with a well-worked move involving Mbappe.
As the 20th minute approached, France intensified their pressure, unleashing a flurry of shots and crosses into the box. However, Azerbaijan's defense, marshaled by Behlul Mustafazade, held firm. Meanwhile, Michael Olise and Theo Hernandez both had efforts that failed to trouble the goalkeeper. Mbappé also had a shot blocked by Mustafazade, but France continued to probe for an opening goal.
France continued to create chances, with Adrien Rabiot testing the Azerbaijani defense with an improvised shot that lacked direction. Both Mbappé and Hugo Ekitike also had shots, but goalkeeper Shakhruddin Magomedaliyev was equal to the task.
Just before halftime, Mbappé finally broke the deadlock, scoring a decisive goal as he worked his way through the defense and placed the ball into the bottom corner. The goal marked his 10th consecutive match scoring for both club and country.
France wasted no time creating chances after the break, with Kingsley Coman having a shot saved and Hugo Ekitike hitting the post within the first five minutes of the second half.
Kylian Mbappé continued to test the Azerbaijani defense, getting denied twice in quick succession by goalkeeper Behlul Mustafazade. Despite being well-placed after a pass from Theo Hernandez, Mbappé's effort hit the side netting. Mustafazade and Magomedaliyev continued to frustrate the French attackers, denying Ekitike and Mbappé again, before Magomedaliyev tipped Khephren Thuram's shot over the crossbar.
Azerbaijan's defense was caught off guard on the ensuing corner, and Adrien Rabiot rose highest to head home Kylian Mbappé's pinpoint cross, doubling France's lead.
In the final moments, Rahil Mammadov had a chance for Azerbaijan, while Jean-Philippe Mateta made his debut for France. However, concerns arose when Mbappé requested to be substituted late in the match.
The evening brightened up for France when Florian Thauvin, replacing Kylian Mbappé, made his first national team appearance in over six years and scored a stunning goal, securing a 3-0 win for Les Bleus. This victory maintains France's flawless record in World Cup qualification.
Azerbaijan, on the other hand, remains at the bottom of the group standings. However, interim manager Aykhan Abbasov may find solace in his team's display, particularly their resilience against France's attacks and their previous draw against Ukraine.
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