Mbappé calls France-Iraq match a 'tiring night' after weather delay

SALADIN, Iraq — France captain Kylian Mbappé described his team's World Cup match against Iraq as emotionally and mentally exhausting, citing a nearly two-hour delay in the dressing room at halftime caused by weather conditions. The forward also criticized tournament organizers over the state of the pitch, saying the defensive half had been cleared while the attacking half was left under water, which slowed the tempo of the game. He called for clearer instructions on pitch maintenance in future fixtures. Mbappé, who scored twice in the 3-0 victory, also addressed comparisons with Argentina's Lionel Messi, saying Messi continues to score while he focuses on helping his team in other ways. He added that France will do everything they can to win the title. The result lifted France to the top of their group.