France – Ukraine: Mbappé’s second-half dominance books hosts’ World Cup spot (4–0)

Kylian Mbappé fired France into the World Cup with two goals - reaching 400 in his career - in the 4-0 win over Ukraine. Didier Deschamps’ side dictated the tempo from start to finish, blending patient, structured circulation with explosive final-third combinations. Despite Ukraine’s deep 5-3-2 block and disciplined defensive effort, France’s multi-layered positional play—particularly on the right flank—consistently created overloads, allowing their creators to dismantle Ukraine’s resistance.

Tactical Analysis and Match Report by Aderemi Qoyum

This match carried significant stakes for both sides: France aiming to stamp early authority on the qualifying group, and Ukraine searching for stability under heavy pressure. From the opening whistle, Deschamps’ men showed total control. Their 4-2-3-1 acted as a fluid positional machine, stretching Ukraine’s compact 5-3-2 through smart wide rotations, patient switches of play, and individual brilliance. Ukraine’s best moments came from structured defense and targeted buildups from goal kicks, but France’s aggressive press smothered most transitions. Once Les Bleus broke the deadlock through Mbappé’s 55th-minute penalty—created by dazzling combinations in tight spaces—the floodgates opened, with Olise and substitute Ekitiké adding deserved goals late on.

France lined up in a flexible 4-2-3-1, with Mike Maignan in goal. The back four featured Lucas Digne, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, and Jules Koundé. In midfield, N’Golo Kanté partnered Manu Koné as the double pivot, providing both control and counter pressure. The advanced line consisted of Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, and Bradley Barcola, supporting captain Kylian Mbappé, who led the line.

Ukraine adopted a 5-3-2 shape focused on . . .