After a thrilling first half, Giroud found the opening late on and calmly slid the ball past Szczesny for his 52nd goal in a French jersey. After their best chances were miraculously cleared off the line by a helpless France defense, Poland was unfortunate not to go into the break level.
More French dominance was evident in the second half; this time, Mbappe was the star player. His first increased France's lead by two goals, and he later added to his total. His second goal, which he curled past a sprawled Szczesny, was perhaps even better than his first. In the dying seconds, Lewandowski pulled one back for Poland, but the outcome was unaffected by his penalty.
France will play either Senegal or England in the World Cup quarterfinal, depending on the outcome of the match later tonight.
Giroud passed Thierry Henry to become France's all-time leading scorer with his first goal just before halftime, his 52nd for his nation. Mbappe's devastating goal in the 74th minute ended Poland's hopes of a comeback, and he added another goal in extra time to give him nine goals in just 11 World Cup games, the second-most goals by a French player at the competition.
