As we edge towards the end of round two at this summer's FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, here is how things fared for Real Madrid players in
On day 12 of this summer's FIFA World Cup in North America, there was action for four Real Madrid players, as Ibrahima Konate, Aurelien Tchouameni and Kylian Mbappe's France took on Iraq for their second game of the tournament.
But before that, there was a game for David Alaba and Austria. Sure, he is leaving the club in a week or so's time, but it feels respectful to mention him at least. He captained his nation as they lost 2-0 to Argentina in a competitive game.
Whilst the score was still 0-0, he made a goal saving block to deny Lionel Messi, with the Austria keeper out of the game. It was a decent effort from him and his team. They will conclude their group stage campaign against Algeria on the 24th at 04:00 CET.
However, it was just Mbappe, the captain, who was named in the starting XI. There were rumours that Tchouameni had missed training on Sunday, and Manu Kone of AS Roma came into the XI. Meanwhile, Konate remains behind first choice central defensive duo William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano.
After just 14 minutes of the game, Mbappe picked the ball off the right hand side, before cutting in onto his left foot and firing a strike past the Iraqi keeper. It wasn't quite in the corner, so maybe the keeper will be slightly annoyed, but it was a great strike in any case. Goal number 15 for him at World Cups, going level with Ronaldo Nazario. That goal was enough to give France the lead heading into the break.
Due to lightning and general weather concerns, half time was delayed for quite a while. Not far off two hours, in fact. When play eventually resumed, it did not take long for Mbappe to score again. A poor pass across his own area from the Iraq keeper found Ousmane Dembele, who squared for Real Madrid's number ten to make it 2-0.
World Cup goal number 16 for the 27-year old, who outright goes ahead of Ronaldo, and level with Miroslav Klose, with just Messi ahead of him. France would go onto win the game 3-0. Tchouameni and Konate remained unused subs.
Next up for Les Blues is a clash with Norway on the 26th at 21:00. Depending on the result in the Norway vs Senegal game, they could go into that game with the group already won. Let's see.
