France’s ahead Kylian Mbappe scores his crew’s second objective previous Denmark’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel throughout the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group D soccer match in Doha on November 26.
| Photo Credit: AFP
France swept into the last 16 after a Kylian Mbappe double sealed a 2-1 victory over Denmark on Saturday as Robert Lewandowski scored the first World Cup objective of his profession in Poland’s win over giant-killing Saudi Arabia.
Mbappe, one among the heroes of France’s march to the 2018 World Cup title, ensured Les Bleus could be the first crew into the knockout rounds after popping up with an 86th-minute winner to break Danish hearts at Stadium 974 in Doha.
The win all however ensures France will enter the last 16 as winners of Group D heading into their closing recreation in opposition to Tunisia on Wednesday.
“For us, it’s ideal, we have six points so we’re sure to qualify after two matches,” France coach Didier Deschamps mentioned.
“We’ll appreciate that before the next match in four days. It brings tranquility, assurance that we qualify.”
Mbappe had fired France into the lead on 61 minutes after Denmark’s defence lastly buckled following wave-after-wave of French stress.
However Andreas Christensen jolted France with a 68th minute equaliser earlier than Mbappe’s late present sealed all three factors.
Earlier Saturday, Poland star Lewandowski lastly broke his World Cup scoring duck in a 2-Zero win over Saudi Arabia at the Education City Stadium.
It was a World Cup actuality test for the Saudis, who had surprised Argentina 2-1 of their opening recreation.
“The importance of the goal and how I scored it made all my dreams from childhood come true,” mentioned Lewandowski, who had missed a penalty in Poland’s opening 0-Zero draw with Mexico on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old was overcome with emotion having capitalised on a blunder by midfielder Abdulelah Al-Malki.
“I think the older I get the more emotional I get,” Lewandowski mentioned. “I’m aware it might be my last World Cup and I wanted to be able to say that I’ve played and scored at World Cups.
“The result’s most essential, however getting each is nice.”
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was the hero for Poland, however, producing a stunning double save in the first half.
He first denied Salem Al-Dawsari from the penalty spot, then made a stunning stop to keep out the rebound.
In other early games on Saturday, Australia defeated Tunisia 1-0, recovering from a chastening opening defeat against champions France to keep their hopes alive.
Striker Mitch Duke scored the only goal of a tight game with a clever header in the first half and Australia desperately held on to silence Tunisia’s vociferous fans.
The Socceroos sit second in Group D with three points from two games, with a game to come against Denmark.
“As a striker you want to have that confidence and imagine that you could rating in each match,” said Japan-based centre-forward Duke, 31.
Saturday’s final match sees Argentina and Lionel Messi attempt to resurrect their World Cup hopes in a crucial clash with Mexico.
The two-time world champions, who arrived in Qatar on a 36-match unbeaten run, are in a precarious position after their stunning opening loss to Saudi Arabia.
The Argentines said they would draw on memories of superstar Diego Maradona, their 1986 World Cup-winning captain who died two years ago this week, to inspire them against the Mexicans.
“We maintain him in thoughts. He was an important particular person in world soccer, and never only for us Argentines,” said Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez.
Argentina are not the only footballing giant fighting for survival at the World Cup, with Germany facing a must-win battle against Spain on Sunday in Group E.
Germany, beaten 2-1 by Japan in a remarkable opening upset, would be eliminated if they lose to the 2010 champions and Japan avoid defeat to Costa Rica.
Germany coach Hansi Flick described the game as his team’s “first closing of this World Cup.”
“I’m satisfied of our concepts,” Flick said. “We will method the recreation with braveness and perception in our high quality.”
