France thrash Norway 4-1 as Ousmane Dembele scores rapid hat-trick
Ousmane Dembele scored a 32-minute first-half hat-trick as France secured top spot in World Cup Group I with a dominant 4-1 victory over a weakened Norway side in Boston.
Manager Didier Deschamps watched his team underline their status as tournament favourites against opponents who made wholesale changes.
Norway boss Stale Solbakken opted to leave star striker Erling Haaland on the bench, prioritising their upcoming knockout fixture with Ivory Coast.
The reigning Ballon d’Or winner took full advantage of the depleted opposition, completing the second-quickest treble in World Cup history.
Dembele chases World Cup history
Only Erich Probst’s 24-minute hat-trick for Austria in 1954 stands ahead of the rapid three-goal salvo delivered by the lightning-fast winger.
Kylian Mbappe provided the assists for two of the goals, demonstrating a lethal attacking partnership that will strike fear into future opponents.
Thelo Aasgaard briefly reduced the deficit for the Scandinavians, making it 2-1 just seconds after Les Bleus had doubled their advantage.
However, the European heavyweights instantly regained control and coasted through the remainder of the contest.
Maignan penalty save secures progression
Goalkeeper Mike Maignan ensured there would be no late drama by saving a penalty from Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Substitute Desire Doue then added a final flourish, heading home deep into second-half stoppage time to complete the rout.
The victory means the two-time world champions will face a third-placed qualifier in New Jersey next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the heavily rotated Norwegian outfit must travel to Dallas to take on Ivory Coast in the round of 32.
