France closed their World Cup group stage with a commanding 4-1 triumph over Norway, thanks to an extraordinary first-half performance by Ousmane Dembele. The Paris Saint-Germain forward delivered a hat-trick before halftime, making him the first player since 1994 to achieve this feat in a World Cup match. Dembele’s remarkable display broke through Norway’s defenses early in the game, setting the stage for a memorable victory.
The match saw France taking charge from the opening whistle, with Dembele finding the back of the net in the 7th, 20th, and 32nd minutes. Despite Norway’s efforts to mount a response through Thelo Aasgaard’s goal, France maintained their dominance throughout the encounter. Norway had an opportunity to narrow the gap early in the second half with a penalty kick, but French goalkeeper Mike Maignan thwarted Strand Larsen’s attempt, preserving France’s lead.
Kylian Mbappe nearly added to France’s tally, striking the crossbar with a powerful shot. Eventually, Désiré Doué sealed the victory with a goal in stoppage time, ensuring a comprehensive win for the French team. This result not only highlights France’s strong form heading into the knockout stage but also underscores the depth of their attacking prowess, with Dembele emerging as an additional threat.
Norway now faces the challenge of regrouping for their next match, while France confidently advances, buoyed by their impressive group stage performance. Dembele’s hat-trick has undoubtedly added a new dimension to France’s attacking lineup, enhancing their prospects as they progress further in the tournament.