Ousmane Dembele scored a first-half hat-trick and assisted another goal as France secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Norway in a World Cup match that ultimately lacked its anticipated star power. Norway's decision to rest key players, including Erling Haaland, ahead of the knockout stages disappointed fans hoping for a marquee matchup against France's Kylian Mbappe.
Despite the absence of Haaland, the match provided plenty of action, with France establishing control early on. Dembele opened the scoring in the first half after receiving a defense-splitting pass from Mbappe. He doubled the lead shortly after with another elegant finish, capitalizing on opportunities created by Mbappe. Norway managed to pull one back through Thelo Aasgaard, whose shot found the bottom corner. However, Dembele completed his hat-trick just before halftime with a near-identical goal to his first, making him the second-fastest player to score three goals in World Cup history.
In the second half, Norway was awarded a penalty, but understudy striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, filling in for Haaland, saw his weak attempt saved by French goalkeeper Mike Maignan. France sealed their victory late in the match when Desire Doue added a fourth goal with a header. While Mbappe did not score, he played a crucial role in setting up Dembele's goals, showcasing a potent partnership.
The decision by Norway manager Stale Solbakken to rest Haaland and 10 other players drew criticism from fans who had traveled to see their team's talisman play, especially given the team's long absence from the World Cup. Solbakken cited squad depth and the minimal impact of group placement on the eventual path to the final as reasons for his selection.
France, with this win, solidified their status as World Cup favorites, while Norway will need to regroup ahead of their next fixture. The match highlighted the attacking prowess of France, with Dembele emerging as a standout performer, overshadowing the highly anticipated duel between Mbappe and Haaland.