France vs Iraq LIVE: Kylian Mbappe gifted second goal as World Cup game resumes after weather delay – UK Times

59’ – This is brilliant from France. Olise feeds Dembele in the box and his strike is parried by the keeper. Rabiot, under pressure, directs a headed rebound wide.

58’ – Now Olise hits the bar after Mbappe jinks forward and feeds the man who so often acts as his provider. They Bayern star spots Basil is off his line a touch and tries to chip the ball over him only to be denied by the bar.

Oh it’s a nightmare from Iraq.

Tahseen overhits a sideways pass to Basil and he miscontrols, allowing Dembele to square the ball for Mbappe to convert into a gaping net from eight yards.

51’ – The pitch looks very wet still. Surface water is splashing up as the ball is passed. It’s not slowing it down but these conditions remain far from ideal.

48’ -The pattern is set here with France dominating possession in the early minutes.

You do wonder how active they were during the delay.

46’ – And we’re playing again. Remember, they lead thanks to Mbappe’s beauty.

They are blaring out Livin’ on a prayer while the groundstaff get their squidgeys to work. Graham Arnold, the Iraq coach, is singing along, which was amusing.

The latest from Chris Wilson, who’s in place in Philadelphia…

“There’s finally light at the end of the tunnel after a delay of around two hours here.

“The fans in the Philadelphia Stadium are still in a great mood, and they’re in fine voice too as a slew of pop favourites are played over the tannoys.

“The stadium staff are just draining the pitch as we prepare to get back underway.”