France produced the most explosive opening of the World Cup so far, with Ousmane Dembele scoring three goals inside the first 32 minutes to dismantle Norway 4-1 and finish top of Group I.
A first-half blitz
Dembele's hat-trick was the second-fastest in World Cup history, behind only Austria's Erich Probst in 1954, and the first first-half treble at the tournament since Russia's Oleg Salenko in 1994, Yahoo Sports reported. Kylian Mbappe set up two of the goals; the two PSG forwards are now level on four goals each at the tournament. Norway's Thelo Aasgaard pulled a goal back, and Desire Doue added a late fourth for France, per Wikipedia's group record.
Haaland rested
With both teams already assured of a place in the knockout rounds, Norway made wholesale changes and left striker Erling Haaland — among the tournament's top scorers — on the bench, ESPN reported. France, by contrast, fielded a strong side, signaling coach Didier Deschamps' intent to carry momentum forward.
What it means
France top Group I with three wins from three; Norway go through in second place. Finishing first typically means a more favorable position in the knockout bracket, while the runners-up face a tougher draw. The match was about seeding rather than survival — but for France it was also a statement, with Dembele announcing himself as one of the tournament's most dangerous attackers and Mbappe looking sharp.
Looking ahead
Norway, appearing at the expanded World Cup, have already exceeded many expectations by reaching the knockouts; their challenge now is to deliver against stronger opposition with Haaland restored to the lineup. France, among the pre-tournament favorites, will fancy their chances if their front line keeps firing. The knockout rounds will test whether France's flair can be matched by the resilience that wins tournaments.
