France Dominates Ukraine in World Cup Qualifier Amid Remembrance

The Parc des Princes observed a moment of silence before the match commenced, honoring the victims of the tragic Paris attacks that occurred ten years ago on November 13. A total of 132 lives were lost, and approximately 352 individuals were injured when gunmen opened fire on café terraces and at the Bataclan concert hall. Against this solemn backdrop, France took to the field for their 2026 World Cup qualifier, aiming to secure their spot in next summer’s prestigious event with a straightforward victory.

From the outset, the match saw France dominate possession, pushing Ukraine back and relentlessly probing their penalty area, recording 21 touches inside the box before the half-time break. However, the score remained unchanged despite their efforts. In the 17th minute, Mbappe aimed a low shot that Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin managed to save. Cherki attempted a long-range strike that failed to threaten the goalkeeper before the 30-minute mark, leading to growing frustration. Manu Kone received a yellow card for a mistimed challenge on Roman Yaremchuk, which would rule him out of France’s next qualifier in Azerbaijan. Just four minutes before halftime, Barcola sent a beautifully curled shot towards the top corner, but once again, Trubin made a remarkable save. As the players retreated to the tunnel, France was left frustrated as they struggled to penetrate Ukraine’s resolute defense.

The second half began with renewed intensity. In the 50th minute, Dayot Upamecano’s high foot caught Yehor Nazaryna in France’s penalty area, prompting VAR to review the incident. After deliberation, referee Slavko Vincic deemed the foul insufficient for a penalty.

Just four minutes later, Taras Mykhavko made a reckless challenge on Olise’s left foot, leading Vincic to award a clear penalty. Kylian Mbappe confidently converted from the spot with a clever Panenka, placing France ahead. With the breakthrough achieved, France pressed for a second goal.

Ukraine found themselves in a perilous situation as Olise extended the lead with a clinical finish after receiving a pass from N’Golo Kante. With Ukrainian players visibly fatigued, the French side capitalized further as Mbappe netted the third goal from a rebound following a blocked attempt by Ekitike. The icing on the cake came in the 88th minute when Mbappe scored his first international goal, sealing a comprehensive victory for France.

Mbappe was undoubtedly the standout performer of the match. Although he had a quiet first half, his performance transformed after the penalty, forging an impressive partnership with Olise that exploited gaps in Ukraine’s five-man defense. With two goals, Mbappe reached 55 international goals, inching closer to Olivier Giroud at the top of France’s all-time scoring list, and celebrated his 400th career goal—a remarkable achievement for the 2018 World Cup winner.

Ukraine’s manager, Serhiy Rebrov, executed a sound tactical approach in the first half, but after conceding the first goal, the team faltered dramatically. Lacking a Plan B, their previously sturdy defense became alarmingly vulnerable.