Russia 2018: Mbappe’s goal enough as France progress

The French national team become the second team behind host team Russia to secure a place in the next round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Didier Deschamps men followed up nervy 2-1 win over Australia with a hard fought victory against Peru on Thursday evening to book a place in the last 16 of the tournament which they won 20 years ago.

A 34th minute goal from the boot of 19 year-old Kylian Mbappe secured all three points for Les Blues and condemned Peru to a second successive defeat; which means they can no longer progress in the competition.

France created a couple of chances early prior to Mbappe’s opener but couldn’t find the back of the net until after the 30th minute. Peru themselves weren’t entirely bad as they came out fighting in the second half looking like they would snatch something from the game but it was not to be as the French defence stood their ground.

Talking about the defence, Les Blues captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris joined Mbappe in the history books after making his 100th appearance for the 1998 winners on Thursday evening.

Earlier in the day Denmark played out a 1-1 draw with Australia in the second game of Group C as VAR once again came to the rescue.

A blinding strike from Tottenham Hotspur’s Eriksen gave the Danes the lead early on in the game. Australia then equalised from the spot after the help of VAR was required to award a deserved penalty to the Australians for a handball in the area.

From then on, both teams looked for the winner but it was to not avail as they settled for the draw. With Peru now out of the World Cup and France in the last 16, the battle for a place in the next round is automatically between these two.

Next up for Denmark who have four points is France while Australia will look to get one over eliminated Peru having gotten only one point so far.