Mbappe’s hat-trick in vain on Messi’s night
Mbappe became the second player to score three times in a World Cup final as he dragged his team back from the brink of defeat twice, first with two goals late in the second half. Having been shut down by Argentina’s defence for the majority of the contest, he exploded into life in the 80th minute, scoring two goals 97 seconds apart before grabbing another equaliser with a penalty in extra time to make it 3-3. He also converted France’s first penalty in the shootout, only to see keeper Emiliano Martinez save Kingsley Coman’s shot and Aurelien Tchouameni fire wide. That gave Argentina a 4-2 shootout win and their first world title since 1986. England’s Geoff Hurst was the first player to score three goals in a final when they beat West Germany 4-2 after extra time in 1966 and he was glad to see another player finally join him on the list. “Many congratulations to Mbappe, whatever happens. I’ve had a great run,” Hurst tweeted as the game unfolded. Golden boot Sunday’s three goals ...