France never blinked.
With first place in Group I still on the line, Kylian Mbappé and Les Bleus punished a Norway side that looked more interested in preserving fresh legs than chasing the top spot, rolling to a convincing 4-1 victory Friday.
Norway’s approach was understandable. Already through to the knockout stage, resting key players and settling for second place isn’t the worst business in a tournament that rewards healthy squads. But against a French team loaded with world-class talent, waving the white flag before kickoff is a dangerous game.
France made them pay.
Mbappé once again looked like the tournament’s defining star, stretching Norway’s back line with every touch and reminding everyone why France enters every major competition as a favorite. The movement was sharp, the transitions were ruthless, and France never allowed Norway to believe an upset was possible.
Championship teams don’t simply win group deciders. They make statements.
France finished atop the group with a perfect nine points, scoring 10 goals across three matches while conceding just one. The performance reinforced what many already believed: if you’re going to lift the World Cup, there’s a good chance you’ll have to go through France.
As for Norway, the gamble may still pay off. A rested squad has every opportunity to make noise in the knockout rounds. But on Friday, they were second-best from the opening whistle, and France looked every bit like a team capable of going all the way.
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