The match unfolded in two contrasting halves, where defense was often overlooked. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, becoming the all-time World Cup top scorer, as France clawed back from a 4-0 deficit at halftime, coming tantalizingly close to equalizing with several missed chances.
Saka rounded off his hat-trick from the penalty spot just three minutes from full-time to make it 5-3, easing England’s nerves after he had already scored twice in the first half, following goals from Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa that set the perfect tone for England.
There was still time for Ousmane Dembele to score for France, igniting hopes of a comeback, but substitute Jude Bellingham extinguished them deep into stoppage time with his seventh goal of the tournament, making him the highest-scoring England player in a single World Cup.
”We had an outstanding first half, followed by a chaotic second half,” England manager Thomas Tuchel remarked.
”We are absolutely worn out from the past weeks … I’ve mentioned it before, this team has accomplished something extraordinary, and they demonstrated it once more.”
The total of 10 goals in this match set a record for third-place playoff encounters, surpassing France’s 6-3 victory over West Germany in the 1958 tournament.
France aimed to send their 2018 World Cup-winning coach Didier Deschamps off with a victory in his final match, coming alive in the second half with Mbappe’s two goals bringing his tournament total to 10.
This put him two goals ahead of Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot and allowed him to surpass the Argentine as the all-time World Cup leading scorer with 22 goals.
”In the first half, I understand why some might think we weren’t taking it seriously, that we disrespected the shirt,” Mbappe stated.
”But I would argue we were just human. Unfortunately, we were completely taken aback. They gave us a significant wake-up call.
”In the second half, we returned as top-level players, mental machines with no feelings left.”
The 39-year-old Messi will have one last opportunity to elevate his own stats on Sunday as Argentina faces Spain in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
ENGLAND ATTACK FROM KICKOFF
The battle for third place is often one teams dread, leading both coaches to adjust their lineups, with Deschamps opting for a second-string defense.
Perhaps motivated by criticism of England’s passive play in the latter stages of their semi-final loss to Argentina, Thomas Tuchel’s squad launched an attack from the outset, with Rice storming forward to score in just the third minute.
The midfielder became a provider in the 18th minute as Konsa headed in England’s second from his corner.
Tuchel’s team focused on forward passes rather than sideways ones, effectively splitting the French defense multiple times.
Saka capitalized on two such passes, scoring his first in the 37th minute and doubling his tally nine minutes later as England asserted their dominance.
Deschamps made defensive substitutions with Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne at halftime, shifting the momentum towards France.
Mbappe, eager to score after a quiet first half, netted his first just three minutes after the break, then added his second in the 66th minute from another assist by Michael Olise, narrowing the gap to 4-3.
Bradley Barcola slipped through a weary England defense to slot in France’s second goal in the 54th minute.
Despite being on the back foot, England continued to attack when opportunities arose and ultimately secured third place for the first time after previous losses in the playoff in 1990 and 2018.
”It’s far more disappointing for the coach (Deschamps),” Mbappe said. ”We aimed to do something special for him, but sadly, the first half gave the impression that we had let him down.
”We want to express our gratitude to the coach for everything he has done. This match will not overshadow Didier Deschamps’ legacy.”
