France 2-1 Denmark: 5 talking points as Kylian Mbappe spearheads reigning champions into the knockout stages | FIFA World Cup 2022
The second round of FIFA World Cup group games saw reigning world champions France take on Denmark at the 974 Stadium. With both teams considered favorites to progress from Group D, all eyes were on the players as they set out to grab maximum points from the game.
France emerged as the eventual winners after what was doubtless an extremely entertaining fixture. Kylian Mbappe broke the deadlock on the hour mark after an intricate passing move with left-back Theo Hernandez. Denmark responded with an equalizer just seven minutes later, with centre-back Andreas Christensen nodding home from a Christian Eriksen corner.
Ultimately, it was Mbappe's day as he went on to grab the winner just five minutes before the end of the second half.
Let's take a look at five talking points from the fixture.
#5 Aurelien Tchouameni is integral to Didier Deschamps' system
With the likes of Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante out of the World Cup through injury, Aurelien Tchouameni found himself under a lot of pressure going into Qatar. With two group games done already, it's fair to say that Tchouameni has taken to the stage with aplomb.
The 22-year-old had big shoes to fill and has exceeded everyone's expectations so far. Operating from the center of the park, Tchouameni has been the glue in Didier Deschamps' setup. He is almost always the midfield outlet to receive the ball from the defense, before progressing it to the attacking line.
With Pogba and Kante out injured, Tchouameni put in a brilliant performance in his World Cup debut.
The future is safe 🇫🇷 https://t.co/Id06vk0nsH
His passing has been excellent throughout and he has formed a formidable partnership in the middle of the park with Adrien Rabiot and Antoine Griezmann. With France looking to retain their World Cup trophy, Tchouameni will have a huge role to play as the champions progress into the knockout rounds.
#4 France's right-back spot needs to be locked down
Didier Deschamps has some serious work to do with regard to finalizing the preferred starter in the right-back position.
Deschamps opted to start Benjamin Pavard in France's opening fixture against Australia but decided to play Jules Kounde in the same position today. Pavard had a good outing against the Socceroos and Kounde's selection raised several eyebrows.
The 24-year-old had a decent game at right-back but often found himself off the pace against Mikkel Damsgaard on the wing. He still managed to keep him relatively quiet, but the question remains as to who Deschamps' preferred starter would be.
With just one group game left before the knockouts, Deschamps will have to make his decision and stick to it if France are to challenge the big guns in the knockout stages.
#3 Make way for the new generation talent
Fans were treated to a historic moment during the fixture, metaphorically symbolizing the handing of the guard from the previous generation to the next.
In 1998, Peter Schmeichel and Lilian Thuram faced off in a World Cup match — Peter was starting in goal for Denmark, Lilian was on the bench for France.
24 years later, they’re watching France-Denmark with Kasper starting in goal for Denmark and Marcus on the bench for France. https://t.co/YKYkUq4LkT
Footballing legends Peter Schmeichel and Lillian Thuram were part of the crowd during this fixture and paid witness to their respective sons in action against each other. Kasper Schmeichel lined up between the sticks for Denmark, while Marcus Thuram came on to replace Olivier Giroud around the hour mark.
With both players having a respectable outing, it is certainly a historic moment that transcends generations and fans will consider themselves lucky to have witnessed it.
#2 France need to capitalize on Ousmane Dembele's form
Ousmane Dembele has been in stunning form ever since the FIFA World Cup kicked off.
Dembele has started both games for France and has been an ever-present threat on the right wing. Known for his ambidexterity, Dembele has been a constant menace to defenders.
Ousame Dembele’s first half by numbers vs. Denmark:
100% tackles won
81% pass accuracy
29 touches
3 ground duels won
3 key pass
2 crosses completed
2 long balls completed
1 dribble completed
Showed some moments of brilliance. ✨ https://t.co/hDIdFIVZYS
Capable of crossing with either foot, Dembele is also blessed with excellent acceleration and dribbling ability. He has been the source of several dangerous crosses into the opponents' box and has looked like one of France's best players in both group games so far.
With the knockout stages on the horizon, Dembele will have to keep his form if France are to retain their World Cup trophy.
#1 Antoine Griezmann is undroppable
Antoine Griezmann has been nothing short of phenomenal in France's two games so far.
Griezmann has not enjoyed much success at club level of late but has been in top nick for France in this edition of the World Cup. Deployed in his preferred central role in attack, Griezmann has been impactful on both sides of the pitch.
Antoine Griezmann’s first half by numbers vs. Denmark:
100% ground duels won
100% tackles won
37 touches
3/4 long balls completed
2 interceptions
1 cross completed
1 key pass
Controlling the France midfield. 🎮 https://t.co/XAaNiNlGNk
He can constantly be seen dropping back to defend, often making crucial interceptions and tackles in the center of the park. His attacking contributions have been exceptional as well, with Griezmann even grabbing an assist for Kylian Mbappe's winner today.
Griezmann was one of the most important players during France's World Cup winning run last time out and will hope to do the same this year for France as they look to take home football's biggest prize for the second time in a row.