France became the first team to qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup as Kylian Mbappe’s brace sent them to a 2-1 win over Denmark in Group D.
Mbappe – fresh from scoring in France’s opening night 4-1 win over Australia – scored the first of his two poacher-like efforts when converting a cross from Theo Hernandez on 61 minutes.
There was no panic from Denmark despite falling behind and they were level seven minutes later when Andreas Christensen headed home as the French wobbled defensively from a Christian Eriksen’s corner.
Both teams had chances to win it late on but it was Mbappe that provided the decisive moment, again showing sharp predatory skills to bundle home an Antoine Griezmann cross with four minutes remaining.
France are all-but guaranteed to finish as Group D winner, barring no six-goal swing with Australia in the final set of fixtures.
Denmark have to beat second-placed Australia in their final group game on Wednesday to go through but would also need Tunisia not to win against France.
