Kylian Mbappe's performance in France's 3-1 victory over Senegal at the World Cup opener was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a stark contrast to the criticism he faced back home, where his goalscoring prowess was questioned despite his impressive numbers. But when it comes to the World Cup, Mbappe is a force to be reckoned with, and his performance in Qatar was no different. What makes Mbappe so fascinating is his ability to step up in the biggest moments, and this game was no exception. The 27-year-old's performance was a masterclass in goal-scoring, and his impact on the game was immediate. In the first half, France was fortunate to be level, with Mbappe's touch letting him down in the final third. But as the second half unfolded, Mbappe was his frightening, electric best. The French forward's performance was a testament to his special status, and his ability to sacrifice the game for his teammates is what makes him so unique. The controversial decision not to award him a penalty following a lunge by Sadio Mane only served to fuel his determination. He dusted himself off and five minutes later, he had given Les Bleus the advantage with a smart first-time finish. But Mbappe's performance was not just about his goalscoring prowess. It was also about his ability to step up in the biggest moments, and his showstopper in stoppage time was the icing on the cake. Mimicking his idol Cristiano Ronaldo's goal for Manchester United against Porto in 2009, Mbappe's strike from 35 yards out had an xG of just 0.02, showcasing his natural finishing ability. What makes Mbappe's performance even more remarkable is his ability to do the unthinkable at the World Cup. In his debut tournament, he stole the show as a teenager, and four years later in Qatar, he capped things off with a World Cup final hat-trick, becoming the first player since Sir Geoff Hurst to achieve such a feat. His second goal etched his name in France history, as he overtook Olivier Giroud as France's all-time top scorer with 58 goals. But that isn't the only goal record he will be hoping to hold come the middle of July. In two full tournaments and one extra game, Mbappe is just two goals away from equalling Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals. The fact that he could still have another two tournaments in him at least to break and extend that record is truly mind-boggling. Wayne Rooney, speaking on BBC Sport, described Mbappe's efforts as 'absolutely incredible' and 'absolutely incredible'. He went on to say that Mbappe is an 'absolute superstar' and that he will go on to be the greatest World Cup goalscorer of all time. In my opinion, Mbappe's performance in this game was a clear indication of his status as a superstar. His ability to step up in the biggest moments, his goal-scoring prowess, and his all-around impact on the game make him a force to be reckoned with. As the tournament unfolds, I expect Mbappe to continue to shine and make a significant impact on the World Cup.
