France concluded their World Cup group stage with a commanding 4-1 win over Norway, thanks to a remarkable first-half hat-trick by Ousmane Dembele. The Paris Saint-Germain forward showcased an unstoppable performance, scoring three goals that dismantled Norway’s defense and etched his name in history as the first player since 1994 to achieve a World Cup first-half hat-trick.
The French team set the tone early in the match, with Dembele finding the back of the net in the 7th, 20th, and 32nd minutes, establishing a formidable lead. Although Norway managed to respond with a goal from Thelo Aasgaard, France maintained dominance throughout the encounter. The French defense held strong, and Norway’s opportunity to close the gap was thwarted when goalkeeper Mike Maignan saved a penalty kick from Strand Larsen early in the second half.
While Kylian Mbappe nearly added to the score with a shot that hit the crossbar, it was Désiré Doué who cemented France’s victory by scoring in stoppage time. This victory not only highlighted France’s potent offensive capabilities but also solidified their position as a formidable contender moving into the knockout stages of the tournament.
As France looks ahead, the team’s strong form and Dembele’s exceptional performance add a new dimension to their attacking prowess. Meanwhile, Norway will have to regroup and prepare for their upcoming challenges in the competition. The match underscored France’s depth and skill, setting high expectations for their future games.