Rock-star Kylian Mbappe powers defending champions France into Last 16 with double strike

France’s Kylian Mbappe (10) celebrates with teammates beating Denmark 2-1 in a World Cup group D soccer match on the Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

At half time, the DJ on the 974 Stadium modified his tracks from smooth rock to heavy steel. The stadium abruptly reverberated with Iron Maiden’s Trooper and Judas Priest’s Breaking The Law. Kylian Mbappe, the sweat on his face glistening within the shiny floodlights, swung his palms, flexed his biceps and urged the gang to sing alongside. The DJ elevated the quantity and the stadium was reworked to the raucous setting of a heavy steel band live performance, with followers head-banging and leaping from their seats, triggering anxious faces from the security-men prowling the gallery.

The match had, within the goalless first half, flowed alongside extra like a smooth rock tune. It was quickly to accumulate a heavy steel dimension, with Mbappe pulling the chords in certainly one of his most electrifying World Cup performances. His brace made the decisive distinction in France’s round-of-16 assuring 2-1 victory of a resilient Denmark who may commiserate believing that they had been denied a degree by a footballer vaulting into sporting immortality with each passing sport. (READ MORE)