Mueez Ajao
– Kylian Mbappe scored twice for France as the defending champions laid down a World Cup marker by beating Denmark to become the first team into the knockout stage.
– The forward stole the show once again with second-half strikes to take his side through.
– Mbappe had earlier blazed over from 12 yards and forced Kasper Schmeichel into a save with a rising shot.
Also Read: ‘Denmark are underrated’ says France coach Deschamps
– But the Paris St-Germain star broke the deadlock just past the hour mark, exchanging a fine one-two with Theo Hernandez before stroking in.
– Denmark equalised just seven minutes later with their first effort on target as defender Andreas Christensen headed home at the far post after France failed to clear a corner.
– Christensen, though, may have counted himself lucky to still be on the pitch at that point after receiving only a yellow card on 20 minutes for dragging back Mbappe, who was looking to run clear.
– France keeper Hugo Lloris made a sharp stop to keep out Tottenham team-mate Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s first-time shot, while Martin Braithwaite agonisingly fired into the side netting.
– Four years ago Mbappe became France’s youngest scorer in the competition when aged 19.
– And with four minutes left, he snatched the winner, sneaking in at the far post to convert Antoine Griezmann’s cross.
France get the win! 🇫🇷
The holders are the first team into the last 16 at #Qatar2022@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 26, 2022
