France concluded their World Cup group stage with a commanding 4-1 triumph over Norway, thanks to a remarkable first-half hat-trick by Ousmane Dembele. The Paris Saint-Germain forward was in exceptional form, dismantling Norway’s defense with three goals before halftime, marking a historic achievement as the first player since 1994 to net a World Cup first-half hat-trick.
From the outset, France controlled the game, with Dembele opening the scoring in the 7th minute and adding two more goals in the 20th and 32nd minutes. Despite Norway’s response through a goal by Thelo Aasgaard, the French side maintained their dominance throughout the match. Norway had an opportunity to narrow the lead early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty, but France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan made a vital save against Strand Larsen, keeping the scoreline in France’s favor.
Kylian Mbappe nearly added to France’s tally, striking the crossbar with a powerful shot, while Désiré Doué sealed the victory with a goal in stoppage time. This emphatic win underscores France’s impressive form as they advance to the knockout stage, while Norway must regroup for their upcoming challenges.
Dembele’s stellar performance not only secured the win but also highlighted the depth of talent within the French squad, adding another layer of attacking prowess. As they move forward in the tournament, France will undoubtedly be a team to watch, buoyed by the confidence and momentum from their recent success.