France becomes the first team to qualify to the World Cup knockout stage

2018 World Cup winners edged out Denmark 2-1 to be the first team to book their place in the 2022 World Cup’s knockout stages.

The match was a relatively slow one, especially in the first half, despite France’s several attempts at Denmark’s goal. France controlled much of the first half but they were lacking when it came to the final third and finishing their chances.

It wasn’t until the 60th minute that Mbappe managed to break the deadlock, putting

ahead. A brilliant link up between Mbappe and Theo Hernandez from the left flank became France’s first goal, which put the game onto another gear as chances for both teams starting ramping up from there.

then managed to score on a corner 7 minutes later as former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen scored Denmark’s first goal at the tournament. Substitute Martin Braithwaite once hit the post and Denmark forced Lloris to a couple of saves before Mbappe scored the winning goal at the 86th minute on an Antoine Griezmann cross.

France will now move to the knockout stage, with their last match against Tunisia being more or less ceremonial. Denmark, who many deemed to be the dark horses of tournament, have now zero points after two matches and must win against Australia if they want to progress.

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