Kylian Mbappe scored twice as defending champions France defeated a disciplined and determined Denmark 2-1 on Saturday to enter into the knock-out rounds of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
In the Group D match, Denmark had slightly more possession and had 10 shots on goal with two on target.
Even with fewer possession, France’s attack was pronounced as they took 21 shots on goal of which seven were on target.
Kylian Mbappe, France’s start forward, had a good game and proved to be the difference between the two sides, as he scored two unusual goals.
The first goal was scored off a cross from Hernandez with the shot appearing to come from the sole of his book.
The second goal in the 86th minute came via a cross from Griezmann to the far post.
Mbappe rose to meet the ball, but it continued to dip and he made the shot with his right thigh from the goal mouth.
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Kasper Schmeichel, Denmark’s goalkeeper, made a few good saves to keep the scoreline low.
Denmark which has defeated France 2-0 in UEFA Nations Leaque in September could not repeat the result in the World Cup.
In the other Group D match, Australia, looking to qualify for the knock-out rounds for the first time in their World Cup history, held on to a slender goal lead to beat Tunisia 1-0, and thereby taking three valuable points going into their final match against Denmark.
Australia, having lost its opener against France, entered the match looking to avoid defeat to keep their hopes alive.
In the 23rd minute, a beautiful build up led to an Australian goal by Mitchell Duke.
A long ball was delivered to the right midfield, from where it was sent to the left which Goodwin collected. His low delivery from the left deflected from the underneath of the defender’s boots and rose high, which was met by Mitchell Duke with a header.
The glancing header by Duke was well flicked and beat the keeper to the far post.
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Just before halftime, Msakni had a golden chance to score the equaliser from close range but his shot was just wide of the post.
Tunisia’s forwards could not deliver on a match they really needed to win, with their final match being against mighty France.
Towards the end of regulation time, Tunisia wasted another opportunity to equalise from close range when Khazri could not connect well to a pass inside the penalty box.
France’s victory meant qualification into the second round. All the other three teams have a mathematical chance to be the second team to qualify along with France.
The match between Denmark and Australia may well decide who goes through to the next round. Denmark has to beat Australia to have any chance. However, if that match is drawn, and Tunisia wins against France, Australia and Tunisia will vie for the second qualification.
