Mbappe strikes, France qualifies

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France became the first side to book their place in the last-16 of the World Cup, sealed with a 2-1 win over Denmark.

They were on track to get the job done with a match to spare when Mbappe put them in front in the second-half, but the defending champions were pegged back as Andreas Christensen equalised from a corner.

However, with four minutes remaining, France’s star man bundled the ball home from close-range to restore the lead and ensure the defending champions are through to the knockout stages with minimal fuss.

“Kylian, what can I say?” said France boss Didier Deschamps. “An exceptional player. He has the ability to be decisive, stand up from the crowd and make the difference. “Opponents have to rethink their structure and formation. Kylian is supported by other players who are as dangerous as him, but free him up to play his game.

“He had the objective of playing at the World Cup and France needs Kylian.”

With Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema ruled out of the tournament with injury, Mbappe may have to shoulder more of the responsibility in the attacking third.

Leader

Asked if Mbappe is a team leader despite his young age, Deschamps added: “He is a leader, yes. There are three types of leaders; physical, technical and mental leaders. Leadership does not have one pace. “Mbappe does not talk much, but is like a steam train on the pitch and gets the crowd up and wants to do everything for the team.

There are natural-born leaders on the pitch.”

Denmark, meanwhile, must beat Australia if their World Cup campaign is to continue.

Photo: London Evening Standard. Kylian Mbappe slots the ball past Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel at the 974 Stadium in Ras Abu Aboud, Qatar, on November 27, 2022. Mbappe scored twice in France 2-1 win as they became the first team to qualify for the last-16 of the FIFA World Cup 2022.