France's World Cup hopes may hinge on attack outweighing defensive flaws

NEW YORK, June 16 : France's route to World Cup glory may once again depend less on keeping goals out than scoring more than everyone else, with Kylian Mbappe's double in a 3-1 win over Senegal highlighting the attacking depth that could compensate for lingering defensive frailties.

Much of the spotlight before kickoff had fallen on Mbappe after a difficult club season and criticism following France's unconvincing warm-up matches, but the captain responded in emphatic fashion with two goals to launch his World Cup campaign.

Bradley Barcola added a third from the bench, underlining the extraordinary attacking depth at coach Didier Deschamps' disposal and reinforcing the idea that France's greatest strength remains at the top end of the pitch.

That should surprise no one.

France shared the distinction of being highest scorers at the 2022 World Cup with Argentina on 16 goals and were second only to Belgium in Russia four years earlier with 14. Across the last two World Cups, they have consistently shown an ability to overwhelm opponents with pace, movement and individual brilliance.

FAMILIAR FORMULA

The cast may have evolved but the formula looks familiar.

Deschamps has increasingly embraced a four-man frontline, trusting his forwards to overwhelm opponents rather than seeking additional protection in midfield. Against Senegal, Mbappe was flanked by Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, a quartet capable of torturing any defence in the tournament.

Mbappe remains the headline act, but France's strength extends far beyond their captain. Barcola came off the bench to score, while Rayan Cherki and Marcus Thuram were also among the attacking options available to Deschamps. Hugo Ekitike, who enjoyed a breakthrough club season,