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SCMP Sport

Kylian Mbappe became the leading goal scorer in World Cup history, Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick and England beat France 6-4 in a ridiculous third-place play-off clash in Miami.
It was the highest-scoring World Cup game since Hungary beat El Salvador 10-1 in 1982, and the 10 goals were the most in a third-place match.
Both coaches made multiple changes for the match in the oppressive heat of Miami, with a host of stars on the bench at the start.
Thomas Tuchel left out Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham from the England starting line-up while Deschamps, stepping down after 14 years at the helm, omitted Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele.
The decisions enabled England to completely overpower France in the first half to build a 4-0 lead.

Declan Rice was on target just three minutes into the match and Ezri Konsa added a second in the 18th minute, while Saka scored a brace before half-time.
But things drastically changed after the break. Mbappe pulled one back less than three minutes into the half, and Bradley Barcola’s goal nine minutes later added pressure on England.
Mbappe made history in the 66th minute, becoming the player with most goals at World Cups, with 22. His tenth goal of the tournament took him one ahead of Lionel Messi, who he also now leads by two in the race for the golden boot.
Should he remain ahead of the Argentina captain after Sunday’s final, he would become the first player to win the golden boot twice, having won it in Qatar four years ago.
Despite the great fighting spirit, France couldn’t complete a comeback as England fired back in the thrilling final stages of the match.
Saka scored a penalty in the 87th to crown his evening with a hat-trick, before Ousmane Dembele again shortened the French deficit in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
But England had a quick answer and substitute Jude Bellingham sealed their best World Cup finish since they won the title in 1966.
Bellingham’s goal took him to seven for the tournament, more than any England player has previously managed at a World Cup.
“It was a crazy, crazy game,” Saka, who was named man of the match, said. “We’re both still quite disappointed to not be in the final but it was about finishing strong and for us giving the country the best finish in the World Cup in 60 years, so we’re happy with the final result.
“I think the first half went for us. We won the first half, they won the second half and in the end we got the two goals to win the game, so I’d say that’s how the game went.”


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Mbappe overtakes Messi, becomes World Cup’s top scorer, England win 10-goal thriller

England’s Bukayo Saka (centre) celebrates his hat-trick alongside Jude Bellingham (left) and Reece James. Photo: AP

France’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring his side’s third. Photo: AP

Messi pulls ahead of Yamal in Ballon d’Or race, with all to play for in World Cup final

Lionel Messi’s performances at the World Cup have made him favourite to win a record ninth Ballon d’Or. Photo: dpa

The battle for the World Cup could also decide whether Lamine Yamal (left) or Lionel Messi comes out on top in the race for the Ballon d’Or. Photo: AFP

World Cup has showcased the beautiful game despite some ugly moments

Buddhist Chi Lin Primary School’s “World Cup Round of 16 Family Fun Day” in Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong, on July 12, with students and their parents cheering for their favourite team during the Argentina vs Switzerland game. Photo: Dickson Lee

Sport

Football

Kylian Mbappe scores twice to take lead in race for golden boot and become highest scorer in tournament history. Saka bags hat-trick


Kylian Mbappe scores twice to take lead in race for golden boot and become highest scorer in tournament history. Saka bags hat-trick.


Mbappe overtakes Messi, becomes World Cup’s top scorer, England win 10-goal thriller

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Kylian Mbappe scores twice to take lead in race for golden boot and become highest scorer in tournament history. Saka bags hat-trick

Kylian Mbappe scores twice to take lead in race for golden boot and become highest scorer in tournament history. Saka bags hat-trick