The World Cup has ended for France’s Kylian Mbappé, but not his race for the tournament’s Golden Boot
The French star is tied with Lionel Messi for the most goals in the World Cup with eight, but assuredly what would have been his third straight trip to a World Cup final mattered more.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Kylian Mbappé won’t get a third consecutive trip to the World Cup final, but he remains tied for first with Argentina legend Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot four years after he won it.
Mbappé was unable to generate many chances in France’s 2-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup semifinals on Tuesday.
Mbappé and Messi have eight goals each. Messi and defending champion Argentina will play in the other semifinal match against England on Wednesday (3 p.m., Fox29).
France will play the loser of that match in the third-place game on Saturday in Miami (5 p.m., Fox29). Spain will take on the winner at MetLife Stadium on Sunday (3 p.m., Fox29).
Mbappé had the fewest touches of any forward in the first half with 15. Perhaps his most prominent moment was trying to persuade referee Ivan Barton that the penalty resulting in Spain’s first goal shouldn’t have been called.
Mbappé’s best chance came in the 67th minute when his shot deflected off Spain defender Marc Cucurella and went just wide. France was already trailing by two goals at that point.
The 27-year-old Mbappé was issued a yellow card in the 86th minute when he rushed toward Unai Simón just as the Spain goalkeeper was bending over to pick up the ball. The two collided, sending Simón to the grass.
Mbappé started the match against Spain after exiting in the 77th minute of his team’s 2-0 quarterfinal win over Morocco, when he scored his eighth goal of the tournament.
Mbappé also scored eight goals four years ago in Qatar, where France lost to Messi and Argentina in a penalty shootout in the final. France beat Croatia to win the World Cup eight years ago in Russia.
In this World Cup, underdogs have stolen the spotlight, the U.S. men made a notable run and Philadelphia not only welcomed the world but gave visitors a crash course on just how real the curse of the Rocky Statue can be.
Join Jonathan Tannenwald, the Inquirer's soccer writer, and host Lisa Carlin, analyst for CBS Sports Golazo, as they dissect the matches, the moments, and more as Philly has its moment in soccer's brightest spotlight. Watch our latest episode right here.
Watch previous episodes:
Episode 1: The Wait is Over!
Episode 2: Groups, Goals, and Glory
Episode 3: Electric Action in Philly
Episode 4: The Knockout Rounds Begin!