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Olise shines as France edge Senegal, tops player ratings

BBC Sport Football •
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France opened the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Senegal. While Kylian Mbappe grabbed headlines with a brace, Michael Olise earned the top rating. Moving him from right wing to central in the second half unlocked a key assist for Mbappe's opener, turning the game into a decisive victory for Didier Deschamps today.

Deschamps’ tactical shift gave Olise freedom higher up the pitch, allowing him to link with Mbappe and create space for Ousmane Dembele on the flank. Former France striker Olivier Giroud noted the chemistry, saying the adjustment offered many options. Olise finished with an 8.01 out of 10 rating, outpacing Mbappe's 7.27 and just behind Bradley Barcola's 7.99 for the squad.

Olise’s performance signals a shift in France’s attacking setup, proving the coach’s willingness to experiment beyond the star player. His contribution earned him a standout rating, positioning him as a key figure in France's quest for the title. The 3-1 result sets a positive tone as France prepares to face stronger opponents in the group stage the knockout upcoming matches.