DOHA: Kylian Mbappe set up a history-making goal for Olivier Giroud and then scored two himself as holders France eased into the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Poland on Sunday.
Giroud’s opening goal a minute before half-time was his 52nd for his country, allowing him to pass Thierry Henry and become France’s all-time record marksman.
Mbappe’s lethal strike in the 74th minute killed off any prospect of a Poland comeback and he netted again at the death to move to nine goals in just 11 World Cup appearances, the second-most for a French player at the tournament.
At the other end the threat of Robert Lewandowski was snuffed out by the French defense although the 34-year-old Poland captain did get the consolation of scoring a stoppage-time penalty.
France, though, march on to the quarter-finals and remain on course to become the first team to successfully defend the World Cup since Brazil 60 years ago.
France were overwhelming favorites against a Poland side who had limped through the group stage, but the memory of their exit from Euro 2020 served as a warning.
France had been 3-1 up and cruising in that last-16 tie against Switzerland only to concede two late goals and end up losing on penalties, with Mbappe missing the crucial spot-kick.
Mbappe returned on Sunday as one of nine changes following their inconsequential defeat by Tunisia, with goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris also returning to win his 142nd cap.
That saw him equal the record for most France appearances held by Lilian Thuram, whose son Marcus came off the bench here.
It was a history-making occasion for France but what coach Didier Deschamps wanted above all was a routine victory and progression to the quarter-finals.
The sky should be the limit for a French side led by Mbappe, but it is not just him.
Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann were lively in a strong start amid a hushed atmosphere at Al Thumama Stadium.
The fans were happy to sit back and be thrilled as the big screen at one point showed that Mbappe had reached a top speed of 35 kilometers per hour.
France’s pace and pressing was too much for Poland as Przemyslaw Frankowski gave possession away, leading to Dembele crossing to the back post for Giroud to somehow put the ball wide.
Poland, who have not won a World Cup knockout match since 1982, recovered from a tentative start to almost go ahead in the 38th minute as Lloris blocked a shot by Piotr Zielinski and Jakub Kaminski’s follow-up was stopped on the line by Raphael Varane.
Those misses proved crucial as France seized the lead a minute before half-time.
Patient build-up play ended with Mbappe having a glance as he received the ball just outside the box before playing in Giroud who took a touch and finished into the far corner.
Poland were left to chase the game in the second half and they sent on Juventus striker Arkadiusz Milik to support Lewandowski for the final half hour.
However, their attack was simply no match for France, who picked off Poland to make it 2-0.
A Griezmann clearance was brought down by Giroud and he released Dembele whose ball into the middle was controlled before being blasted home by Mbappe.
It was an emphatic finish and was followed by another of a similar calibre from a Thuram assist in stoppage time.
Only Just Fontaine, who scored 13 in 1958, has scored more World Cup goals for France.
Lewandowski then pulled one back right at the end, converting a retaken penalty that was awarded for a handball by Dayot Upamecano.
Giroud and Mbappe guide France past Poland and into World Cup quarter-finals
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Giroud and Mbappe guide France past Poland and into World Cup quarter-finals
- Mbappe’s lethal strike in the 74th minute killed off any prospect of a Poland comeback and he netted again at the death to move to nine goals in just 11 World Cup appearances
- The threat of Robert Lewandowski was snuffed out by the French defense although the 34-year-old Poland captain did get the consolation of scoring a stoppage-time penalty
Cycling legend Peter Sagan confirmed for L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France
- The event, presented by Skoda, returns to Dubai on Jan. 24-25
DUBAI: Legendary cyclist Peter Sagan has been confirmed for this year’s L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France presented Sy Škoda, which is set to see over 700 riders taking part on Jan. 24–25.
Part of the official L’Etape series (25 countries, more than 30 races), the event brings the Tour de France experience to amateur cyclists through closed-road routes designed to mimic international racing standards.
This year’s edition will see Sagan — former professional road cyclist, a seven-time Tour de France Green Jersey winner and three-time UCI Road World Championship winner — join hundreds of amateur cyclists on the Sunday.
As well as giving those taking part the chance to ride alongside one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, Sagan will join the finish-line celebrations in the Expo Village Park to present medals to riders as they finish.
Sagan said: “I have been watching closely as Dubai has emerged as a key destination for international sporting events, with cycling playing an increasingly prominent role. L’Etape Dubai builds on that by bringing the structure and standards of one of the world’s most renowned sporting experiences to riders in the city.”
In the build-up, L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France will host a series of community rides, leading up to a special ride on Jan. 18.
The main day of race weekend is Jan. 25, when two races will start simultaneously at 7am from Dubai Design District.
The Epic Race covers 112 kilometers, offering a demanding challenge for experienced cyclists, while the Classic Race spans 61 kilometers, catering to riders seeking a competitive yet achievable Tour de France–style experience. Both routes will finish in the Expo Village Park.
The addition of three designated sprint sections has also been confirmed, among them the Sagan Speed Challenge near Global Village, where the fastest woman and fastest man will each receive a special jersey presented by the man himself.
The weekend will also include family-focused events on Jan. 24, beginning with the Skoda Kids Race. Covering distances from 300 meters to 1.8 kilometers, it starts in two waves for different age groups from 9 a.m. There is also the Skoda Family Ride, a 20-kilometer route starting at 10am, designed to welcome riders of all ages in a relaxed and inclusive setting. Sagan will be present at the finishing line in Expo Village Park for both, offering families and young riders a chance to get up close to a true global sports legend.
Central to the weekend’s activities will be the L’Etape Village at Expo Village Park. Open throughout the event, it will bring the Tour de France atmosphere to life through immersive experiences such as the Tour de France Museum, memorabilia and feature walls, interactive exhibitor activations and family-friendly activities.
Lukas Honzak, managing director of Skoda Middle East said: “Cycling has been part of Skoda’s DNA for more than 130 years, and through L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France, we are proud to play a leading role in growing amateur cycling in the UAE, in line with the country’s vision for more active and healthy communities.”
Participant Andrea Pusateri said: “I lost my leg at the age of three, but sport has taught me that limits are only mental — not physical. Today I am the first Paralympics team captain in the history of the Giro d’Italia, and I use my story to promote inclusion and inspire people through cycling.
“Taking part in L’Etape is a dream for me. Riding in this iconic event, side by side with champions and thousands of passionate cyclists, represents exactly what I believe in — that sport belongs to everyone.”
The inaugural edition of L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France, held in 2025, set a new benchmark for amateur cycling events in the UAE, recording the highest participation for a first-edition race in the country. More than 1,000 cyclists took part, including 243 international riders and 266 Emiratis.
