Kylian Mbappe scored twice for France as the defending champions laid down a marker by beating Denmark to become the first team into the World Cup knockout stage.
French forward Kylian Mbappe scored twice as the reigning champions defeated Denmark to advance to the World Cup knockout round as the first team.
With goals in the second half to advance his team, the 23-year-old attacker, who was France’s youngest scorer in the competition, once again stole the show.
Kasper Schmeichel had to make a save off a soaring attempt from Mbappe earlier in the game after he blasted over from 12 yards.
Theo Hernandez and the Paris St. Germain player exchanged a beautiful one-two before stroking in to break the tie just past the hour mark.
After France failed to successfully clear a corner, Denmark quickly equalized with their first shot on goal, defender Andreas Christensen heading in at the far post.
Christensen, however, would have considered himself fortunate to still be on the field at that moment after only collecting a yellow card for hauling back Mbappe on the 20th minute as he attempted to sprint clear.
Hugo Lloris of France made a quick save to stop Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham’s first-time shot, while Martin Braithwaite agonizingly fired into the side netting.
Mbappe, however, had the ultimate word with four minutes remaining, slipping in at the far post to score Antoine Griezmann’s cross.