Defending Champions France played like the champions they are as they dominated Denmark, won the encounter 2-1, with Kylian Mbappe scoring both the goals and booked a place the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Mbappe put France ahead in the 61st minute and then scored the winner in the 86th with his right thigh as Les Bleus became the first team to advance to the next round.
Denmark defender Andreas Christensen equalized for his team with a header in the 68th.
Mbappe Unleashed
Mbappe scored four goals when France won the World Cup four years ago, including one in the final. He now has 31 goals for France, moving him one ahead of Just Fontaine — the all-time leading scorer at a single World Cup with 13 goals at the 1958 tournament.
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France beat Australia 4-1 in its opening game while the Danes drew 0-0 with Tunisia. The Aussies beat Tunisia 1-0 earlier Saturday.
With Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema missing from the tournament with a leg injury, Mbappe has taken charge. He has 14 goals in his past 12 games for France, including three so far in Qatar. The Danes beat France twice this year in the Nations League but looked tame in attack at Stadium 974 — on the rare occasions they even got near France's penalty area.
Varane's Return
Central defender Raphael Varane returned to France's defense for his first game since sustaining a hamstring injury playing for Manchester United on Oct 11. The 2018 World Cup winner made his 88th international appearance and played 75 minutes before being replaced.
Thuram's Legacy
Forward Marcus Thuram came on in the second half as his father, Lilian Thuram, watched from the stands. The elder Thuram was a standout defender who helped France win its first World Cup in 1998.
What's Next?
The final Group D games are scheduled for Wednesday, when France will play Tunisia and Australia will face Denmark.
(Inputs PTI)
