DOHA, QATAR (AP) – France advanced, and Kylian Mbappe got them there.
The French became the first defending champions to reach the round of 16 at the World Cup (WC) since Brazil in 2006, beating Denmark 2-1 yesterday with Mbappe scoring both goals.
“Kylian is an extraordinary player. He has the ability to make the difference at any time no matter what the other team plans to contain him,” France coach Didier Deschamps said. “In addition to his great ability he is totally invested in the team and he’s made it an objective of his to win the World Cup.”
Mbappe put his team in front in the 61st minute and then scored the winner with his right thigh in the 86th as Les Bleus became the first team at this year’s tournament to advance from the group stage.
The France forward swapped passes with Theo Hernandez down the left flank and poked the ball past Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel for the first goal. He then jumped acrobatically to guide in the second after a cross from Antoine Griezmann and provided his 26th assist for the national team.
Denmark defender Andreas Christensen equalised for his team with a header in the 68th.
