Scary France have not reached attacking ceiling yet

NEW YORK, June 27 : France's attacking riches are beginning to look frightening — and perhaps the most ominous sign for the rest of the World Cup is that Didier Deschamps' magic triangle has yet to produce a game in which all three are at their devastating best.

Against Norway, Michael Olise was quieter than in his previous outings as Ousmane Dembele stole the spotlight with a breathtaking first-half hat-trick.

It was a notable shift from France's previous two matches. Against Senegal, Olise had been the catalyst, striking up an instant understanding with Kylian Mbappe while Dembele struggled to impose himself.

Four days later against Iraq, Dembele got on the scoresheet and delivered an improved display, but questions lingered over where he fit best in France's attacking set-up as Olise and Mbappe again looked the more established partnership.

That is what makes France so dangerous. Through three group matches, Deschamps has never had all three forwards firing at full capacity simultaneously, yet Les Bleus have still scored 10 goals and won every game comfortably.

One member of the trio has always been slightly below his usual standards, but another has invariably stepped forward to ensure the attack loses none of its potency.

It leaves an unsettling question for France's rivals: what happens when all three click simultaneously?

On paper, their qualities complement each other almost perfectly.

Mbappe stretches defences with relentless runs in behind, Dembele attacks spaces at frightening speed and unpredictability, while Olise offers composure, creativity and the final pass between the lines.

On the left, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola have shared the starting role, leaving whichever one is rested, along with Rayan Cherki and