France concluded their World Cup group stage with a commanding performance, as Ousmane Dembele spearheaded a 4-1 triumph over Norway with an impressive first-half hat-trick. The Paris Saint-Germain star was in his element, netting three goals that sliced through Norway’s defense, marking a historic achievement as the first player since 1994 to score a World Cup first-half hat-trick.
Right from the kickoff, France asserted their dominance, with Dembele swiftly finding the back of the net in the 7th, 20th, and 32nd minutes. Despite Norway’s efforts to fight back, with Thelo Aasgaard scoring to keep their hopes alive, France maintained a firm grip on the match.
Norway had a golden opportunity to narrow the gap early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty. However, France’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, showcased his skill with a crucial save, denying Strand Larsen and preserving France’s lead.
Kylian Mbappe also made his presence felt on the field, narrowly missing a chance to score when his powerful shot ricocheted off the crossbar. The victory was sealed in stoppage time when Désiré Doué added a late goal, further asserting France’s dominance.
With this convincing win, France marches confidently into the knockout stage, bolstered by Dembele’s remarkable contribution which adds yet another layer of threat to their already formidable attacking lineup. Meanwhile, Norway must now shift focus to their upcoming challenges.
