France triumphed over Norway with a score of 4-1 in their final Group I match at the World Cup. Both teams had already secured their places in the knockout stages before this decisive encounter.
Following this victory, France advances to the knockout stage as group winners. Under the leadership of coach Didier Deschamps, they will face a third-placed team from Groups A, B, C, or D in the next round.
Norway, finishing in second place, will meet the Ivory Coast in the Round of 16.
Ousmane Dembele’s Stunning Hat-Trick
The match was highlighted by Ousmane Dembele’s outstanding performance, as he scored two goals within the first 20 minutes, both set up by Kylian Mbappe and expertly placed beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.
Norway managed to reduce their deficit just a minute after France’s second goal, with Aasgaard scoring a low shot into the bottom corner, bringing hope back to the Norwegians.
Dembele completed his hat-trick before halftime, netting his third goal in the 32nd minute, marking it as the second-fastest hat-trick in World Cup history.
Early in the second half, Norway had a chance to get back into the game when Bobb earned a penalty; however, Larsen’s weak execution resulted in a missed opportunity. Both teams squandered several more significant chances, allowing the goalkeepers to shine. In injury time, Barcola assisted Doue, who headed in the final goal, sealing the match at 4-1.
In another Group I match, Senegal defeated Iraq 5-0, keeping their hopes alive for qualification into the knockout stages.
FINAL » Norway – France 1-4
Goals scored: Aasgaard (21) / Dembele (7, 20, 32), Doue (90+4)
Note: In the 50th minute, Larsen missed a penalty awarded to Bobb.
Min. 50: Larsen fails to convert a penalty awarded for a foul on Bobb.
Min. 32: Incredible! Dembele completes his hat-trick within just 32 minutes.
Min. 21: Norway strikes back! Aasgaard finds the net with a low shot.
Min. 20: GOAL France! Dembele scores his second from a beautiful shot about 20 meters out.
Min. 7: GOAL France! Mbappe assists Dembele, who skillfully nets the opener.
Probable Lineups:
NORWAY: Selvik – Aursnes, Falchener, Ostigard, Bjorkan – Thorstvedt, Berg – Bobb, Aasgaard, Schjelderup – Larsen
Substitutes: Ajer, Berge, Haaland, Hauge, Langas, Heggem, Nusa, Nyland, Odegaard, Pedersen, Ryerson, Sorloth, Tangvik, Thorsby, Wolfe. Coach: Stale Solbakken.
FRANCE: Maignan – Kounde, Upamecano, Lacroix, T. Hernandez – Tchouameni, Kone – Dembele, Olise, Doue – Mbappe
Substitutes: Akliouche, Barcola, Cherki, Digne, Gusto, L. Hernandez, Kante, Konate, Mateta, Rabiot, Risser, Saliba, Samba, Thuram, Zaire-Emery. Coach: Didier Deschamps.
