NICE, France - France etched their name in the annals of European football history on Saturday, annihilating 10-man Gibraltar by a record-breaking 14-0 margin in a Euro 2024 qualifying match. This emphatic victory not only surpassed their previous best international win of 10-0 against Azerbaijan in 1995 but also established a new benchmark for the highest-scoring game in European Championship qualifying history.
Kylian Mbappe, the star of the evening, bagged a scintillating hat-trick, while Warren Zaire-Emery, on his debut, marked his arrival with a goal. Marcus Thuram, Jonathan Clauss, Kingsley Coman, Youssouf Fofana, Adrien Rabiot, Ousmane Dembélé, and Olivier Giroud also contributed to the goal-scoring spree, leaving Gibraltar shell-shocked and powerless.
France's dominance was evident from the outset, as they took the lead through a third-minute own goal. The floodgates opened thereafter, with six more goals following before halftime, leaving Gibraltar trailing 7-0 at the break. Their misery was compounded in the 18th minute when they were reduced to 10 men, further paving the way for France's relentless assault.
The second half was a mere formality as France continued to pile on the goals, with Mbappe completing his hat-trick and Rabiot, Coman, Dembélé, and Giroud adding their names to the scoresheet. The final whistle brought an end to a night of utter humiliation for Gibraltar, while France celebrated their most emphatic victory in international football history.
This historic win not only solidifies France's position at the top of Group B in Euro 2024 qualifying but also sends a resounding message to their rivals. With a team brimming with attacking talent and spearheaded by the likes of Mbappe, France looks poised to continue their dominance in European football.
