France 2-1 Denmark: Mbappe double helps French reach World Cup knockout stage
Kylian Mbappe scored two goals and put defending champion France into the knockout stage of the World Cup with a 2-1 win over Denmark on Saturday.
Les Bleus Sport News
Mbappe double sinks Denmark, takes France into World Cup last 16
Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including a late winner, as holders France edged Denmark 2-1 on Saturday to become the first team to reach the last 16 of the World Cup.
France and Denmark scoreless at halftime
DOHA : Denmark and France were goalless at the end of the first half of their World Cup Group D clash on Saturday at an electric 974 Stadium, with Les Bleus looking to become the first team to secure their spot in the knockout round.
Giroud ready to tower above French giants
DOHA: From Raymond Kopa to Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane to Thierry Henry, France has produced some of football’s all-time greats, but Olivier Giroud needs just one more goal for Les Bleus to tower over all of his compatriots.The giant 1.93m tall center-forward and 2018 World Cup winner equalled Henry’s record mark of 51 goals for the French national team by scoring twice in his country’s 4-1 win over Australia on Tuesday.He had already long since left behind the likes of Platini, David Trezeguet, Jean-Pierre Papin and Just Fontaine, the striker who famously scored 13 times in one World Cup in 1958.France’s oldest international goalscorer at the ripe old age of 36, Giroud has reached his tally in 115 appearances for his country, eight fewer than the number of caps obtained by Henry between 1997 and 2010.“It is a source of pride, an honor,” Giroud said after his brace against Australia which saw him draw level with Henry as France began their defense of the World Cup.“It makes you think about all the hard work I have put in to get here but also the superb teams I have played in.”Now ready to go beyond Henry’s mark, he added: “Watch out ‘Titi’, I’m coming.”Giroud’s performance against Australia has raised hopes that France can cope just fine in this World Cup without Karim Benzema, the Ballon d’Or winner who pulled out injured on the eve of the tournament.After all they did just fine without Benzema four years ago in Russia, even if Giroud failed to score a single goal during the World Cup in Russia.But there is a growing feeling that Didier Deschamps’ side might even be better off this time despite all the injuries in their squad, given the fruitful relationship that Giroud has developed of late with Kylian
Denmark provide France coach Deschamps with puzzle to solve
DOHA : France started the World Cup with a bang against Australia but Denmark will offer a much tougher challenge and could lead coach Didier Deschamps to make key tactical changes on Saturday.
Varane 'fit and ready' to face Denmark at World Cup, says Deschamps
The Manchester United defender was left out of the holders' 4-1 stroll in their Group D opener against Australia but Deschamps said he was fit to play before that match and could feature at the 974 Stadium on Saturday.
France beat Australia 4-1 in opener as Giroud equals scoring record
AL WAKRAH, Qatar: France started their World Cup title defence in style with a 4-1 comeback win against Australia as Olivier Giroud became Les Bleus' joint all-time top scorer with two goals on Tuesday (Nov 22).
Deschamps: The World Cup is Kylian Mbappe's stage
France head coach Didier Deschamps has backed Kylian Mbappe to shine at the World Cup, labelling it "his competition" after the forward excelled in a comeback win over Australia. A number of injures rocked the France squad heading into the finals and they were stunned as Craig Goodwin opened the scoring after nine minutes before rallying to record a 4-1 win. Olivier Giroud scored twice to equal Thierry Henry's all-time record of 51 goals for France, while Adrien Rabiot and Mbappe were also on the scoresheet for the reigning world champions at Al Janoub Stadium. Mbappe, who hit four goals en route to helping France to win the 2018 World Cup, was named man of the match following the victory as Deschamps hailed the Paris St Germain ace. "Kylian of course has been one of the best players in the world for some time now and he is feeling very confident, you can see that in the way he is playing," he said. "I knew that he was going to be ready for this World Cup, it is his competition, he knows how to make the difference. "But he is part of a team and he has always been able to play as part of a team even though he is an individual, flair player as well. So that is great for us. I have got a lot of attackers, but Kylian is of course an outstanding one."