A double from the French star secures the win for the reigning world champions.
France and Denmark faced off in a Group D clash at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Hosted at Stadium 974, the match positioned the defending champions as early favorites to advance, while also pitting them against one of their toughest challengers in the initial phase of the tournament.
Kylian Mbappé starred for France, scoring twice to power a 2-1 victory over Denmark and seal a place in the knockout rounds. He opened the scoring after a well-worked wall with Theo Hernández, finishing with a precise strike at the far post. Mbappé then capitalized on a late chance, connecting with a well-placed assist from Antoine Griezmann on the right to strike home with his thigh and break the deadlock.
Qatar World Cup 2022: timing, venues, format, and participating teams
Christian Eriksen’s side had set the tone with a sharp corner routine that created opportunities, but the Danes could not convert the chances that might have unsettled Didier Deschamps’ men.
GOALS, VIDEOS AND SUMMARY
90′ Added time: six minutes.
85′ MBAPPÉ MAKES IT 2-1! A cross from Griezmann from the right finds France in front again, just slipping past the keeper at the near post.
80′ BRAITHWAITE THREATENS! A dangerous cross from Dolberg meets the France goalmouth, with the Espanyol striker just missing the target on a sharp volley.
78′ RABIOT SEARCHES FOR THE TOP CORNER! The midfielder tries an acrobatic volley from a left-wing cross, but misses the target high.
72′ DENMARK ON THE ATTACK! A neat move on the left culminates with Lindström’s strike, but it misses the target as Lloris stands tall.
67′ DENMARK EQUALIZES! Christensen heads Andersen’s corner in at the near post to restore parity.
60′ MBAPPÉ SCORES AGAIN! After a clever wall with Theo Hernández, the French forward fires a powerful shot to the long post past Schmeichel, who argued an offside call but did not get the decision.
59′ GRIEZMANN WITH A CHANCE! The playmaking forward times his run beautifully to control a cross, but his left-footed effort sails over the bar.
56′ MBAPPÉ ALMOST NETS AGAIN! A back-heel turn in midfield sets up a foray into the box, but the shot is blocked by Schmeichel for a corner.
The second half carried high stakes for both sides.
45′ + 3 Half-time at 974 sees the scoreline even, with an entertaining opening 45 minutes and both teams probing for an edge after the break.
45′ Added time: three minutes.
42′ A rough foul by Koundé interrupts Danish momentum as he slides into a late tackle, earning a yellow card.
40′ MBAPPÉ RETURNS! Dembélé on the right collects a long ball from Upamecano and sets up the striker, but his first attempt sails over the crossbar.
35′ A near miss from Denmark follows Mbappé’s influence. The ball flashes wide after a build-up from the Danes.
30′ MBAPPÉ FEEDS KOUNDÉ WITH A CROSS-CHAIN COMBINATION; a defender blocks the shot, preventing a breakthrough.
21′ RABIOT HEADS A SET-PIECE TRY, but Schmeichel is quick to parry.
19′ Christensen fouls Mbappé to stop a potential break, drawing a yellow card as France presses forward; the Danish defense holds firm, and the players clash in a tense moment.
12′ The match starts with rhythm as France tests the Danish backline, yet the defense holds strong.
1′ The ball is rolling in Doha as both sides set out with purpose, hoping to claim early control of Group D.
This is how the current world champions began their drive to defend the crown, facing a dangerous Danish side that sought to surprise the Gauls.
STATISTICS
Source: Goal