Kylian Mbappe is now joint second for all-time men’s assists for France following Les Blues victory over Chile on Tuesday, March 26.
France’s national football team showcased strength and skill as they secured a 3-2 win over Chile at Stade Velodrome, marking a significant moment in their Euro 2024 preparations.
Despite a challenging start that saw them concede an early goal, the French team proved their prowess by overturning the deficit before the break and ultimately clinching the win, courtesy of Olivier Giroud’s decisive goal.
This victory is part of a broader narrative of recovery and determination following their 2022 World Cup final loss to Argentina, with the team now clinching nine wins in their last 12 games.
However, Kylian Mbappe’s contribution was particularly noteworthy as he matched Thierry Henry’s record for assists for France, signaling his fundamental role in France’s attacking dynamics.
His performance indicates he could play a pivotal role in France’s quest for glory at Euro 2024, where they aim to catch their third title.
Although the 25-year-old did not find the net against Chile, he still managed to achieve yet another milestone courtesy of his 27th assist for Les Blues, moving him joint-second with Thierry Henry on France’s all-time list. He now has Antoine Griezmann’s record of 30 assists in sight.
The captain could well surpass that at Euro 2024, where France will be among the favorites to win the competition which will kick off in June 2024.
France vs Chile in brief
Les Bleus endured a low start for the second time in as many matches, falling behind after just six minutes in Marseille through Marcelino Nunez’s strike.
However, they turned the battle on its head before half-time with Youssouf Fofana equalizing and Randal Kolo Muani putting them in front.
Olivier Giroud ultimately got the winner for Didier Deschamps’ side who completed their Euro 2024 preparations with a ninth victory in 12 games since their 2022 World Cup final defeat to Argentina.
Despite losing Jonathan Clauss and Eduardo Camavinga to injury during the first half, Les Bleus responded well and leveled in the 19th minute when Kylian Mbappe assisted Fofana, who found the net from 20 yards through a slight deflection from Igor Lichnovsky.
Mbappe went close himself before the hosts turned things around when Kolo Muani rose to head home Theo Hernandez’s deep cross.
The hosts capitalized on their good fortune to go 3-1 up in the 72nd minute. Kolo Muani turned provider with a great jinking run into the area from the right wing, before pulling the ball back for Giroud to sweep in his record-extending 57th international goal.
Towards the end of the game, Chile threatened a dramatic fightback when Osorio struck home eight minutes from time, and it took William Saliba a superb last-ditch sliding tackle to deny Ben Brereton Diaz an equalizer right at the death.
What’s next?
Chile now switches attention to their upcoming Copa America campaign, which begins against Peru on June 22. On the other hand, France will also be looking forward to starting their Euro 2024 campaign when they face Austria on June 17.
