It's a thunderstorm that couldn't dampen the spirits of Kylian Mbappe and France as they stormed into the World Cup last 32 with an electrifying display against Iraq. The tempest-tossed pitch didn't faze Les Bleus, who took to the skies like eagles, leaving Iraq in their wake with a commanding 3-0 victory.
And what a century effort it was from Mbappe! The talisman marked his milestone 100th cap with a hat-trick of breathtaking brilliance. His opening strike, a low-driven shot that left the Iraqi goalkeeper grasping at thin air, set the tone for an afternoon that would be remembered for years to come.
The match had been delayed for two hours due to a severe storm that threatened to engulf the Doha stadium, but when play resumed, France picked up where they'd left off. The energy was palpable as Mbappe danced past his markers with ease, leaving Iraq's defenders in his wake like ships without anchors.
The French attack was relentless, with the irrepressible Mbappe at its heart, driving them forward with a ferocity that left Iraq reeling. The scoreline might have been flattering for France, but it told only half the story of their dominance – an exhilarating display that will leave fans across the globe salivating in anticipation of what's to come.