Kylian Mbappé fired France into the World Cup with two goals – reaching 400 in his career – in the 4-0 win over Ukraine.
The Real Madrid forward took his tally to seven in his last six internationals with second-half goals either side of a strike from Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, with Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike finishing things off late on.
It was a far from fluid performance for Didier Deschamps’ final competitive match in Paris, with the coach set to leave after the tournament.
And it took an Mbappé penalty, delivered via a Panenka, in the 55th minute to break Ukraine’s resistance, but that was needed to start the celebrations in the French capital.
Olise’s shot on the turn put the result beyond doubt before Mbappé and Ekitike added gloss in the final 10 minutes.
Ukraine, who dropped to third in Group D, arrived at the Parc des Princes looking to frustrate and that approach was reflected in the fact they managed just one shot all game which failed to trouble goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The tactic worked for almost an hour, with the hosts’ best effort prior to the opener coming when Bradley Barcola cut inside to unleash a shot from outside the area which Anatoliy Trubin tipped onto a post just before the break.
However, it is difficult to keep a side as talented as France at bay and after Barcola’s run saw Olise fouled by Taras Mykhavko, the stage was set for Mbappé to chip home from the spot.
N’Golo Kante‘s pressure forced a loss of possession in Ukraine’s final third and when the ball came back to the midfielder he slid it into the feet of Olise, who controlled with his right before spinning to slot home with his left.
Mbappe started and finished the move which saw him score his 23rd goal in 20 appearances for club and country this season and the 400th senior goal of his career.
And it was the France captain who played the return pass for Ekitike to fire home in the 88th minute.
