France concluded their World Cup group stage with an impressive display, as Ousmane Dembele shone with a remarkable hat-trick in the first half, securing a 4-1 win against Norway. Playing for Paris Saint-Germain, Dembele was in exceptional form, netting three goals within the first 32 minutes of the match. This extraordinary achievement made him the first player since 1994 to score a first-half hat-trick in a World Cup match, marking a historic moment in the tournament.
The French team dominated the game from the outset, with Dembele scoring in the 7th, 20th, and 32nd minutes, effortlessly breaking through Norway’s defense. Although Norway managed to get on the scoreboard thanks to Thelo Aasgaard, France maintained control of the match throughout. The Norwegian team had an opportunity to close the gap early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty. However, France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan made a critical save, preventing Strand Larsen from scoring and preserving France’s lead.
In addition to Dembele’s stellar performance, Kylian Mbappe nearly added to France’s tally, narrowly missing a goal when his powerful shot hit the crossbar. As the game approached its conclusion, Désiré Doué sealed France’s victory with a late goal during stoppage time, ensuring a comprehensive win for the French squad.
This result underscores France’s strong form as they advance to the knockout stage, showcasing their depth and capability as a formidable team. Meanwhile, Norway will need to regroup and prepare for their upcoming challenges. Dembele’s outstanding performance has undoubtedly enhanced France’s attacking options, adding a new dimension to their already talented lineup.