Raphael Varane’s France came out victorious in the clash between Manchester United team-mate Christian Eriksen’s Denmark as Les Bleus won 2-1.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice in the second half to give Didier Deschamps’ side the victory and in the process they became the first team to qualify for the Round of 16 stage.
France had to work hard for their victory as Denmark managed to contain the World champions for just over an hour before Mbappe struck in the 61st minute of the game.
Denmark showed resolve and heart to get back into the game as a Christian Eriksen corner caused issues for the French defence, allowing Crystal Palace defender, Anderson to get a flick on from Eriksen’s corner, which sent the ball onto the head of Andreas Christiensen to get the Danes back on level terms.
Just like Mbappe has produced time and time again for France, tonight was no different as he put France in front after meeting a cross from Antoine Griezmann at the far post, which helped France make history by winning a sixth consecutive World Cup game for the first time.
What a player this kid is!! 🤩
Mbappe gets what must be the winner for France with 5 minutes left on the clock!
The 23-year-old now has 7 goals at the World Cup Finals, 2 more than both Zidane and Platini!! 😲#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/pijNvcFt3i
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 26, 2022
France became the first defending champions since Brazil in 2006 to advance to the knock-out stages as previous winners, Italy (2010), Spain (2014) and Germany (2018) all failed to progress from the group stages after winning the World Cup four years before.
Italy 2010 ❌
Spain 2014 ❌
Germany 2018 ❌France are the first holders since Brazil in 2006 to make it out of their World Cup group 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/yuZRReggcn
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 26, 2022
Raphael Varane started the game and played 75 minutes before being replaced by Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate. Starting the game was a positive for Varane as it was his first competitive match since the game at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, when he went off with a hamstring injury.
Varane had an excellent chance to open the scoring when his flicked header was cleared off the line by Joakim Maehle.
Next up for France is a clash against Tunisia and for Eriksen and Denmark, they will play Australia, in what is a must win match for the United man and his team.