Dembélé Hat Trick Powers France Past Norway to Secure Top Spot in Group I
- Philip Fox
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Credit Opta Analyst
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
Match three of Group I took place on Friday to determine the group's final standings. France played Norway for the top spot, though both teams were already guaranteed a place in the knockout stages. France entered with a very familiar lineup, eager to claim the top spot, while Norway clearly rested their star players, knowing they were safe from elimination.
France started their final group match in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Mike Maignan was in goal, with Jules Koundé on right back, Dayot Upamecano and Maxence LaCroix as the center backs, and Theo Hernández on the left back. In defensive midfield, France lined up with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Manu Kone. The attack was led by Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise, with Kylian Mbappé as captain.
Norway’s Vikings began with 10 new players in a 4-3-3 setup. Egil Selvik was in goal, with Fredrik Bjørkan at left back, Leo Østigård and Henrik Falchener at center backs, and Fredrik Aursnes at right back. The midfield featured Kristian Thorstvedt, captain Patrick Berg, and Thelo Aasgaard in the center. Norway's attacking trio included Oscar Bobb on the right wing, Andreas Schjönpål on the left wing, and Jørgen Strand Larsen as striker.
With Norway resting their usual starters, it’s no surprise that France came out strong and ready to attack. Mbappé had his first chance in the first minute — he got free on the right side of the box and blasted a shot that beat the keeper but hit the crossbar and bounced away.
France kept pressing for the next 5 minutes. In the seventh minute, they finally scored with a powerful shot from PSG’s Dembélé, who will be mentioned a lot in this recap.
In the 20th minute, Mbappé made a perfect pass to Dembélé, even while being pulled down from behind. Dembélé took the ball, centered it back to near the middle of the box, and fired a left-footed shot into the net, making it 2-0 for France.
That lead didn't last long. Norway took the kickoff, drove down the left side, passed back to the top of the box, and Thelo Aasgaard scored near the post to cut the deficit to 2-1.
But just as easily, Dembélé completed his hat trick in the 30th minute, making it look like a video game as he powered the ball home. France continued their high pressure, and by halftime, the score was 3-1.
France controlled 63% of possession and took 14 shots, 8 on target; Norway had 4 shots, 2 on target.
The second half started with Norway pushing hard. Bobb earned a penalty in the 47th minute, but Maignan dove to his left and saved it.
The rest of the half was a back-and-forth battle with chances for both sides, but no goals. In the 94th minute, France added one more, with Doué heading in a cross to seal the 4-1 victory.
France held the ball 57% of the time and took 18 shots, half on target, while Norway had 10 shots, 4 on target.
Though this game didn't have much at stake overall, it was still entertaining. Dembélé’s hat trick has him tied with teammate Mbappé for second place in the Golden Boot race.
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