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France inflicted Kazakhstan their heaviest-ever defeat, an 8-0 demolition job in Paris, in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier to qualify for the showpiece event in style.
Kylian Mbappe was the Man of the Match with a four-goal salvo, while Karim Benzema bagged a brace. Adrien Rabiot and Antoine Griezmann, from the spot, were also on target for the reigning world champions.
The Hawks were no match for their mighty hosts. The visitors crumbled down like a house of cards as their defence was sliced open with consummate ease by Didier Deschamps' men.
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France, who secured their biggest World Cup qualifying victory in over 60 years, will end their campaign away to Finland on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan will play a friendly with Tajikistan on the same day.
On that note, here are the five major talking points from a historic night in the French capital:
#5 Kazakhstan slump to their heaviest-ever defeat
Kazakhstan, ranked 125 in the world, were the weakest side in Group D. Coming into this game, they were languishing at the bottom without a single victory in seven qualifying games.
Yet no one could have predicted this result, as France only won the reverse fixture 2-0 in March, helped by an own goal from Serhiy Malyi. But things couldn't have been more different when the two teams renewed acquaintances on Saturday.
The reigning world champions cruised past their overmatched visitors like bowling balls knocking down skittles. Kazakhstan were completely in sixes and sevens in defence, although they looked dangerous early on. However, they succumbed to their heaviest-ever defeat in their history as France registered their first eight-goal win in seven years.
Talgat Baysufinov's side endured their worst-ever defeat since becoming an independent nation in 1992.
#4 Imperious Kingsley Coman sizzles in mercurial first half for France
Kylian Mbappe grabbed all the headlines at the break with a scintillating first-half hat-trick. But Kingsley Coman was the real architect of the show with his mesmeric creativity and blistering runs.
The 25-year-old had acres of space down the right to run into. He gleefully bombarded the flank to get into good attacking positions and link up with his attackers.
Both his assists for Mbappe were top notch. The first was a perfectly weighted low drive inside the final third, while the second a wonderful cross that eluded a Kazakh defender.
Although Coman's impact waned after the break, the Bayern Munich man demonstrated his class in that mercurial first half. In the process, he showed why he ought to start every game for France.
#3 Finland are starring down the barrel
France may have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2022. But the race for a playoff spot in the group remains wide open ahead of the last round of qualifiers.
Earlier in the day, Finland overcame Bosnia and Herzegovina in a 3-1 away win to climb above Ukraine and keep their playoff hopes alive. They're currently two points clear of Ukraine in second place as they eye a place in the playoffs.
However, they play France on the final day next week. Considering their recent performances, they could be up against it against the already-qualified holders.
If the world champions replicate their Saturday form on Tuesday, Finland would be in for a long night. But should they lose, and Ukraine also drop points away to Bosnia, then it won't matter.
However, the Zborna have the quality to step up when it matters, so Finland will need a huge favour from Bosnia.
#2 France are still the team to beat in 2022
Sure, it's only Kazakhstan, who're ranked 122 places below them. But France were truly in inspired form on Saturday, cutting a swathe through their hapless opponents like a knife through butter.
The world champions demonstrated their frightening potential and showed why they could be the team to beat at the FIFA World Cup 2022 next year.
They have the prolific attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann. France also have Theo Hernandez and Kingsley Coman's dynamism from the flanks, with Paul Pogba running the show in midfield, which makes them a formidable side.
Les Blues may not play the likes of Kazakhstan in Qatar, but expect to see more of their scoops, overhead kicks, rabonas and slick passing at the tournament.
#1 Kylian Mbappe smashes records with amazing quadruple
Kylian Mbappe was obviously the star of the show, netting four times, including a stunning hat-trick in the first half.
The PSG ace had never scored a hat-trick in French colours before, so this was long overdue. Mbappe did so in style, becoming the first French player since Olivier Giroud in 2017 to bag a treble.
In the process, Mbappe also became the first player to record the feat in a competitive game. Dominique Rocheteau did so in 1985. In fact, Mbappe's quadruple marked the first time a France player did so in a game in 65 years.
Interestingly, these were his first goals in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, having drawn a blank until now.
His goal tally for Les Blues now stands at 23 goals in 52 games, and Mbappe only turns 23 next month. He smashed many records last night against hapless Kazakhstan, but in the coming years, he's probably going to write a record book of his own.
