Why I hugged Deschamps after my goal — Mbappé

Abdullateef Fowewe

France attacker, Kylian Mbappé has claimed the embrace he shared with France coach Didier Deschamps after opening the scoring against Sweden was “the DNA of this group,” a gesture of solidarity after the manager suffered a family bereavement last week.

The Real Madrid forward, who netted a brace as France ran out 3-0 winners at MetLife Stadium on Wednesday, described the moment as simple and necessary.

“The hug with Deschamps after the goal? That’s the DNA of this group.

“The coach has been through certain circumstances, and we’re all with him and will continue to support him,” Mbappé said.

Mbappé’s second-half finish, his sixth of the tournament, extended his lead in the Golden Boot race and pulled him level with Lionel Messi for the tournament tally, while also moving him one goal shy of Messi on the all-time World Cup scoring list.

Bradley Barcola supplied the third as France controlled large swathes of the match, keeping a clean sheet and rarely allowing Sweden to threaten.

Coach Deschamps visibly moved during the post-goal celebration later praised his players for their reaction.