Dembele delivers latest reminder of France's frightening firepower

NEW YORK, June 22 : France forward Ousmane Dembele finally found his groove in the 3-0 win over Iraq at the World Cup on Monday, underlining the embarrassment of attacking riches at the country's disposal.

The result reinforced the sense that Didier Deschamps' side may be even more dangerous than France's 2018 champions or their team that reached the final four years ago.

While Lionel Messi continues to carry much of Argentina's scoring burden, France are discovering that almost any member of their formidable forward line can seize the spotlight.

In their 3-1 win over Senegal in their opening game, Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappe stole the show.

On Monday, with Iraq collapsing under France's relentless movement and pressing after a nearly two-hour weather delay, Dembele reminded everyone why he arrived in the U.S. as the Ballon d'Or holder.

The Paris St Germain forward set up Mbappe's second goal after pouncing on a dreadful Iraqi defensive error before getting on the scoresheet himself with a clinical right-foot finish after being released by Olise.

Dembele's contribution was all the more significant because his performance against Senegal had attracted scrutiny in France, where some pundits suggested he looked less influential than his attacking teammates.

Mbappe, who opened the scoring with a long-range shot, had publicly defended Dembele on Sunday, insisting the winger had been France's best attacker in the first half against Senegal and that his movement created the space others exploited.

Mbappe's celebration after doubling France's lead on Monday spoke volumes. Rather than basking in another World Cup goal, he immediately pointed towards Dembele, whose alertness and assist had made it possible, in what looked like a