Ousmane Dembele struck a stunning first-half hat-trick as France cruised to a 4-1 victory over Norway in Boston on June 26, sealing a perfect record in Group I and marking Les Bleus’ first three-win group stage campaign at a FIFA World Cup since their title-winning run in 1998.
With both teams already through to the Round of 32, top spot in the group was the only prize on offer, but Dembele stole the spotlight instead of the anticipated battle between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, who remained an unused substitute.
The French winger completed the second-fastest World Cup hat-trick in history inside 32 minutes, taking his tally to four goals in two matches after opening his tournament account against Iraq.
Norway briefly threatened a fightback after Theo Aasgaard pulled one back following Dembele’s second goal, but Jorgen Strand Larsen squandered a golden opportunity early in the second half when Mike Maignan comfortably saved his penalty. Desire Doue wrapped up the emphatic win with his first World Cup goal in stoppage time.
France will face one of the third-placed teams from Groups C, D, F, G or H in the Round of 32, while Norway progress to a knockout clash against Côte d’Ivoire.
