Iraq coach Graham Arnold joked that he wanted to field three goalkeepers against Kylian Mbappe as his side prepare for Monday’s Group I World Cup match against France. Iraq face a major task against the 2022 finalists, while Mbappe prepares for his 100th appearance for France.
Mbappe already dominates headlines at this tournament. The Real Madrid forward struck twice against Senegal in France’s opening match and also moved past Pele on the World Cup scoring charts. He now sits on 14 World Cup goals and trails Ronaldo by one.
Arnold chose humour when reporters asked how Iraq plan to stop France’s captain.
“I asked if we could play three goalkeepers. But they said no.”
The Iraq coach still faces a serious decision in goal. Captain Jalal Hassan conceded four times in Iraq’s 4-1 defeat against Norway and Arnold has not confirmed who will start against France.
“How France play is not under our control, but we can control our own game. I want my players to step onto the pitch ready to show the world what they can do.”
Mbappe will reach another landmark if he starts in Philadelphia. The striker will collect his 100th cap for France in a World Cup match.
“It is always a pleasure to play for your country. There is nothing bigger,” Mbappe said.
“One hundred is a historic figure and reaching it at a World Cup makes it a special match.”
Mbappe scored two of his 14 World Cup goals in the current tournament. He scored eight during the 2022 edition and four in 2018. He now shares fourth place in the all-time World Cup scoring list with Gerd Muller.
Questions over Mbappe’s place among the game’s greatest names continue to grow. The France captain has little interest in that debate.
“That is for supporters, journalists and football people. My focus is helping the team tomorrow and trying to bring the trophy home.”
