Can any team at the World Cup withstand the dynamic and diverse French offensive? Norway’s second-string squad discovered the answer during a first half filled with chaos in Boston, where Ousmane Dembélé netted an impressive hat-trick within just 25 minutes, propelling France to a decisive 4-1 win. With this victory, France secures the top position in Group I and is set to face off in the last-32 round in New Jersey next Tuesday. Meanwhile, Norway will match up against Côte d’Ivoire in Texas.
This match unfolded with a carefree spirit, reminiscent of a tournament formality or a spirited third-place playoff. However, the absence of the rested Erling Haaland casts a shadow over Norway’s aspirations in the later stages of the tournament. The reality of France’s rampant offense exposing Norway’s defensive vulnerabilities in a disorganized first half likely dimmed their hopes.
This encounter had been promoted as a showdown between Kylian Mbappé and Haaland, a clash of Nordic strength and Parisian finesse. However, with Haaland resting alongside nine other key players, Norway’s defense lacked continuity and coherence.
The initial minutes of the match showcased one of the most lopsided starts in World Cup history. Dembélé’s first-half hat-trick was marked by exceptional skill and precision, further highlighted by Norway’s defenders who repeatedly allowed him the space to operate.
As the 32-minute mark approached, Dembélé was already envisioning a trophy for his match ball. Norway, at least, could take solace in their research; Dembélé indeed demonstrated a remarkable ability to cut inside and consistently find the far corner with his lethal left foot.
New England’s lush, mild mid-summer afternoon provided a picturesque backdrop, reminiscent of Europe, with its rolling hills and waterways, setting the stage for what felt like a crucial playoff for the top spot in Group I.
Given this context, it was particularly disappointing that Stale Solbakken opted to rotate ten players from his starting lineup. While it’s understandable, as Norway lacks the depth of other national teams, it highlights the importance of key players. This strategy may foster team unity, showing they are all committed to the same goal.
However, such choices can lead to significant setbacks against a top-tier team like France. The stadium in Boston was awash with red and blue as the match commenced, and France nearly scored just 20 seconds into the game. A precise pass from Dembélé set Mbappé on a run that saw him hit the crossbar from a tight angle.
Just three minutes later, Manu Koné seized a loose ball at the edge of the box, with Norway seemingly adopting a new defensive strategy of ignoring him. His shot was deflected for a corner by goalkeeper Egil Selvik.
The first goal came after only six minutes, courtesy of Mbappé’s exquisite pirouetting pass that dissected Norway’s defense. Dembélé then cut inside, faked a shot, and placed the ball into the far corner, igniting a jubilant cheer from the crowd.
Mbappé came close to doubling the score shortly thereafter, delivering a near-identical pass for Dembélé’s second goal, which was a low, central shot into the same corner.
However, just when it seemed France would run away with the match, Norway equalized through a well-crafted goal by Andreas Schjelderup, who assisted Thelo Aasgaard for a skillful finish. The Norwegian players erupted in celebration, and the atmosphere intensified as the game became increasingly frenetic.
Then came an unfortunate moment for viewers as an advertisement break was met with loud boos from the audience, who felt the disruption was ill-timed.
With 32 minutes on the clock, Dembélé reclaimed a two-goal advantage, once again cutting inside and finding the same corner with precision. Positioning himself wider on the right, with Michael Olise playing centrally, this tactical adjustment clearly paid off.
As the second half began, anticipation grew for Dembélé’s next attempt. Yet, Norway started with vigor, as Oscar Bobb earned a penalty after skillfully maneuvering past Aurélien Tchouaméni, drawing a foul from Théo Hernandez. Jørgen Strand Larsen’s penalty was soft and central, allowing Mike Maignan to make an easy save.
The remainder of the half was a mix of lethargic football and bursts of energy from Mbappé, who almost secured a goal for himself. A Mexican wave swept through the stands, and a section of the crowd chanted for Erling Haaland repeatedly. Bobb forced a low save from Maignan shortly afterward.
As the match drew to a close, Désiré Doué found the net with a header from a cross by Bradley Barcola, marking France’s fourth goal. With a total of ten goals thus far, France’s unexpected cavalier spirit shines through. Will Solbakken come to regret his decision to downgrade this match? Norway arrived with a momentum built from recent victories, but this match revealed uncertainties about their potential against top-tier opponents like France. The opportunity to build on that confidence was missed.
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