Bukayo Saka destroyed France with a clinical hat-trick to power England to a 6-4 victory in the World Cup third-place playoff. It was a high-scoring, rollercoaster encounter that left fans breathless and defenders looking completely lost.
Thomas Tuchel promised a reaction, but he couldn't have predicted this level of madness. France looked like they were on their sunloungers during a nightmare first half. They conceded four times before the interval, looking totally unprepared for the pace England brought to the pitch. Wamma, it was a defensive disaster for the French side.
How did Bukayo Saka dominate the game?
England's surge was led by a relentless Bukayo Saka. The winger was simply unplayable, netting twice in the first half and completing his hat-trick to seal the result. He showed why he is the most dangerous man in the Three Lions squad right now.
Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa also found the net to build England's massive lead. While England seemed to have the game in hand, France refused to die. Kylian Mbappé, playing in Didier Deschamps' final match as France manager, showed why he is a global superstar.
Did Kylian Mbappé make history?
Mbappé sparked the comeback straight after the half-time whistle. He wasn't done there, adding a second goal following a strike from Bradley Barcola. Even with the French fightback, they couldn't catch the English side on the scoreboard.
However, Mbappé did achieve something historic. By finding the net, he became the first male player to reach double figures at a single World Cup since Gerd Müller back in 1970. That kind of consistency is rare, even for a player of his stature.
Who won the third-place playoff?
England won the match with a 6-4 scoreline to claim third place in the tournament.
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Source: The Guardian
