Kylian Mbappe struck twice as defending champions France claimed a narrow 2-1 win over Denmark on Saturday and became the first team to advance to the World Cup round of 16 in Qatar.
Mbappe sent France ahead in the Group D clash just after the hour mark with a prodded finish after playing a clever on-two with teammate Theo Hernandez, but Denmark roared back with a thumping header from defender Andreas Christensen to level the scores.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker emerged again late on to convert a cross from Antoine Griezmann and ensure France remain flawless as they continue their World Cup title defence. Mbappe has now scored 31 goals for France — moving him level with legend Zinedine Zidane on the country’s all-time scoring list.
Saturday’s result leaves France at the top of Group D on six points, three ahead of second-place Australia, while Denmark are yet to find their first win with just a point after two games.
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A tight, tense first half saw France enjoy the better chances as Adrien Rabiot went close with a header and the Danes were forced into a number of last-ditch blocks to keep their clean sheet intact.
It was not to last and Mbappe put the French ahead in the 61st minute, crowning a superb high-speed French counter with a bouncing first-time finish from Hernandez’s clever pull-back.
Always a danger from set pieces, Christensen put the Danes level seven minutes later, stealing in behind the defence and stooping to head home.
Neither side seemed content with a draw and Rabiot fired a spectacular volley over in the 80th minute, and a minute later substitute Martin Braithwaite fired a first-time effort of his own just wide of the near post.
The game looked set to end in a stalemate until Mbappe popped up in the 86th minute at the far post to cushion home an Griezmann cross from close range to restore the lead to send the travelling French fans into raptures.
Denmark threw everything forward looking for a second equaliser, leaving acres of space at the back, but their late attacks against a side they beat twice in the recent Nations League campaign lacked precision and the French held on for the win that put them through. Punch
How much is Mike Tyson, Jake Paul getting paid for the fight?
Jake Paul, a former child star and social media influencer who began his professional boxing career in 2020, on Saturday secured a victory against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a boxing bout.
The fight was livestreamed worldwide on Netflix, and Paul won by unanimous decision.
While the outcome surprised some, the financial stakes were just as intense as the match itself, with both fighters set to earn huge sums for their efforts.
Mike Tyson, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history, is 58 years old and has an estimated net worth of $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
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While this figure is modest compared to the hundreds of millions Tyson earned during his career, including $400 million in fight purses according to Forbes, he’s also made a remarkable comeback after declaring bankruptcy in 2013 at age 37.
Although promoters did not disclose Tyson’s exact earnings from the fight, reports from sources like DraftKings Network estimate he will earn around $20 million.
This figure is comparable to the amount Tyson earned for his 1988 match against Michael Spinks, which had a record purse at the time (worth approximately $53 million today when adjusted for inflation). That fight ended in just 91 seconds, with Tyson knocking out the previously undefeated Spinks.
Jake Paul, 27, is expected to earn approximately $40 million, according to estimates from DraftKings Network and other sources. This is double the amount Tyson is projected to make. One reason for this disparity may be Paul’s status as a top social media influencer, with 27 million followers on Instagram alone. Additionally, Paul is the co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the company promoting the fight in partnership with Netflix.
Paul’s net worth is estimated at $80 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
I don’t think so – Mike Tyson on boxing retirement after loss to Paul
After his defeat to Jake Paul, 58-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson indicated that he has no immediate plans to retire
This is just as he had praises for Paul who he stood toe-to-toe with till the final round and ultimately lost to by a unanimous decision.
“I’m really happy. He was a good fighter and well prepared,” Mike Tyson said. “I didn’t prove anything to anyone. Just to myself.”
Asked on a knee brace that he wore for the fight, Tyson said: “I can’t use that as an excuse or wouldn’t have been in there.”
Asked if this was the end for Tyson in the ring, he concluded: “I don’t think so.”
Mike Tyson’s controversial return to boxing ended in a one-sided defeat on Friday, with Youtuber-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul cruising to victory by unanimous decision against the heavyweight icon in Texas.
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Tyson, 58, barely landed a punch during the eight-round bout at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with Paul winning by big margins on all three cards — 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73.
Paul, 27, used his superior speed and movement to dominate the ageing Tyson with ease, and had the former undisputed heavyweight champion in trouble after landing a flurry of punches in the third round.
Super Eagles seal AFCON 2025 spot, draw 1-1 against Benin
Victor Osimhen’s late header helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria secure a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan, clinching their qualification for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Benin, playing their matches in Côte d’Ivoire, took an early lead in the 16th minute when Mohammed Tijani headed in a short corner.
The goal followed a period of sustained pressure from the Beninoise side on the Nigerian defence.
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Benin nearly doubled their advantage shortly afterwards, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a crucial save to keep Nigeria in the game.
Osimhen threatened as the first half progressed, with a powerful header that narrowly missed the target.
In the second half, Benin came close again, but a shot veered inches wide of the right post, sparing the Eagles further trouble.
With nine minutes remaining, Osimhen rose to the occasion, connecting with a precise cross from Moses Simon to level the score at 1-1.
With this result, the Super Eagles top Group D with 11 points from five matches, while Benin hold second place with seven points.
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