France concluded their World Cup group stage with a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway, prominently featuring Ousmane Dembele’s remarkable first-half performance. The Paris Saint-Germain forward made history by scoring a hat-trick within the opening 45 minutes, becoming the first player to achieve such a feat in the World Cup since 1994. Dembele’s goals came in quick succession, finding the back of the net in the 7th, 20th, and 32nd minutes, effectively dismantling Norway’s defense.
Norway managed to pull one back through Thelo Aasgaard, but France retained control throughout the match. Despite Norway’s efforts, they were unable to shift the momentum. A penalty opportunity early in the second half presented Norway with a chance to reduce the deficit further, but France’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, made a crucial save against Strand Larsen’s attempt, preserving France’s lead.
In addition to Dembele’s heroics, Kylian Mbappe nearly added to France’s tally with a powerful shot that struck the crossbar. Ultimately, Désiré Doué sealed the victory for France with a goal in stoppage time, underscoring France’s dominance in the match.
This victory not only highlights France’s formidable form heading into the knockout rounds but also showcases Dembele’s significant contribution as an attacking asset for the team. Meanwhile, Norway, having faced a challenging group stage, will regroup as they prepare for their next challenge.