Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates his third goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier between France and Kazakhstan at Parc des Princes in Paris, France, November 13, 2021. /CFP
Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates his third goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier between France and Kazakhstan at Parc des Princes in Paris, France, November 13, 2021. /CFP
Belgium and France booked their places in the Qatar 2022 World Cup finals after victories on Saturday.
Kylian Mbappe scored four goals to help the World Cup titleholders France to secure an 8-0 home demolition of Kazakhstan, lifting France top of the European Qualifiers Group D on 15 points from seven games, four points ahead of second-placed Finland. France and Finland will meet on November 16.
Karim Benzema added two goals while Adrien Rabiot and Antoine Griezmann netted one each to cap an impressive performance at the Parc des Princes.
Benzema was delighted after combining with Mbappe to devastating effect up front.
"We've shown that we are compatible, that we can play together and have fun while scoring, creating goals and playing for the team," Benzema told French television.
"I am so happy to have played as I did and above all to have won."
Christian Benteke of Belgium jumps to kick the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier between Belgium and Estonia at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussel, Belgium, November 13, 2021. /CFP
Christian Benteke of Belgium jumps to kick the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier between Belgium and Estonia at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussel, Belgium, November 13, 2021. /CFP
Belgium, who were beaten by France in the semifinals of the 2018 tournament, made sure of their spot in Qatar by beating Estonia 3-1 in Brussels to top Group E.
Christian Benteke opened the Belgians' account before Yannick Carrasco and Thorgan Hazard completed the job. Estonia's consolation goal came from Erik Sorga.
(With input from agencies)