France concluded their World Cup group stage with a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway, thanks to a remarkable first-half hat-trick by Ousmane Dembele. The Paris Saint-Germain forward showcased his exceptional talent, scoring three times in the first half to dismantle Norway’s defense and create history as the first player since 1994 to achieve a World Cup first-half hat-trick.
The French team took control of the match early, with Dembele finding the back of the net in the 7th, 20th, and 32nd minutes. Despite Norway’s efforts, including a goal by Thelo Aasgaard, France maintained their dominance throughout the game. Norway had a chance to narrow the gap with a penalty early in the second half, but France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan made a vital save against Strand Larsen, preserving France’s lead.
Adding to France’s offensive prowess, Kylian Mbappe nearly scored when he struck the crossbar with a powerful shot. Later in stoppage time, Désiré Doué sealed the victory with a late goal, further emphasizing France’s strong form as they advance to the knockout stages. This performance positions France as a formidable contender in the tournament.
Norway now faces the task of regrouping for their next challenge, while Dembele’s standout performance adds another layer to France’s impressive attacking lineup. The French squad’s display against Norway underscores their potential and ambition in this World Cup, with Dembele’s hat-trick serving as a highlight of their successful group stage campaign.