Mbappe one goal away from equalling France record

Kylian Mbappe moved to within one goal of equalling France’s all-time top goalscoring record as his side beat Brazil in a friendly at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, USA.

Mbappe was sent through on goal by Ousmane Dembele in the 32nd minute and dinked the ball over onrushing Brazil keeper Ederson.

It was Mbappe’s 56th goal on his 95th appearance for his country; only Olivier Giroud, with 57 goals in 137 caps, has scored more for the two-time world champions.

The 27-year-old was substituted for Marcus Thuram in the 66th minute, having had two further half-chances, dragging two shots wide in the first half.

The forward, who made his France debut at the age of 18 in 2017, has been recovering from a knee injury, having last started for Real Madrid on 22 February.

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On Wednesday, he denied reports that his injury had been misdiagnosed by a Real medical team member mistakenly examining his wrong knee.

France were reduced to 10 men in the second half when last man Dayot Upamecano fouled Brazil full-back Wesley just outside the area.

But, despite having one man less, Didier Deschamps’ France doubled their lead through Hugo Ekitike’s close-range chipped effort in the 65th minute.

Brazil, managed by former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, pulled one goal back 13 minutes later when centre-back Bremer turned in Luiz Henrique’s low cross.

Brentford forward Igor Thiago made his Brazil debut coming off the bench for Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha, but his side were unable to fashion an equaliser in the closing stages.

Brazil were without their own all-time top scorer Neymar, who has not been included in Ancelotti’s squad due to fitness issues.

The teams were playing at Gillette Stadium, home of the NFL’s New England Patriots and the venue of France’s final World Cup group game against Norway this summer.

(BBC)