France concluded their World Cup group stage with a commanding 4-1 win over Norway, highlighted by Ousmane Dembele’s spectacular first-half hat-trick. The Paris Saint-Germain star was in exceptional form, scoring three times before halftime to dismantle the Norwegian defense and set a new milestone as the first player to achieve a World Cup first-half hat-trick since 1994.
From the opening whistle, France asserted their dominance, with Dembele finding the back of the net in the 7th, 20th, and 32nd minutes. Despite a goal from Thelo Aasgaard offering a brief glimmer of hope for Norway, the French team maintained control throughout the match. A critical moment came early in the second half when Norway was awarded a penalty, but France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan delivered a crucial save against Strand Larsen’s attempt, preserving the lead for his team.
Kylian Mbappe nearly added to France’s tally, his powerful shot clattering off the crossbar. The victory was sealed in stoppage time when Désiré Doué scored, further cementing France’s commanding performance. This victory not only showcases France’s attacking prowess but also solidifies their strong form as they advance to the knockout stages of the tournament.
For Norway, the match served as a learning experience as they prepare for their upcoming challenges. Despite the loss, Norway showed moments of resilience, though they struggled to contain the relentless French attack spearheaded by Dembele. His performance has undoubtedly enhanced the attacking options available to the already formidable French squad.