Mbappe One Goal Away From Equalling France’s Scoring Record After Beating Brazil

Kylian Mbappe moved to within one goal of the national scoring record as France beat Brazil in a friendly game at Gillette Stadium on Thursday night, March 26.

Mbappe scored in the 32nd minute after being slipped through by Ousmane Dembele and calmly dinked the ball over the onrushing keeper Ederson.

It was Mbappe’s 56th goal in his 95th cap. Only Olivier Giroud has scored more for France with 57 in 137 appearances.

The 27-year-old French striker, who debuted at 18 in 2017, played the game against Brazil while still working his way back from a knee injury. He was replaced by Marcus Thuram in the 66th minute after missing two earlier chances.

He had last started for Real Madrid on 22 February and recently dismissed reports that his injury had been misdiagnosed after the wrong knee was examined.

France was reduced to 10 men when Dayot Upamecano brought down Brazil full-back Wesley just outside the area. Despite the setback, Didier Deschamps’ side doubled their lead soon after through Hugo Ekitike, who clipped home from close range.

Brazil, led by Carlo Ancelotti, pulled one back when Bremer converted a low cross from Luiz Henrique with 13 minutes left.

Igor Thiago of Brentford made his debut off the bench in place of Matheus Cunha of Manchester United, but Brazil could not find an equaliser.

The visitors were without record scorer Neymar, who missed out due to fitness issues.

The match was played at the home of the New England Patriots and the venue for France’s final World Cup group game against Norway this summer.