Ousmane Dembele delivered a masterclass performance, scoring a remarkable first-half hat-trick as France triumphed 4-1 over Norway at the Gillette Stadium near Boston. The 29-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward's lethal finishing showcased why he won last year's Ballon d'Or, netting three times in just 26 minutes. His goals, along with a late header from Desire Doue, ensured France completed the first round with three wins out of three, progressing as Group I winners. Despite his impressive display, Dembele modestly claimed it was his least impressive performance of the tournament so far.
Dembele's Transformation and Impact
Dembele's transformation from a thrilling but injury-prone winger at Barcelona to a central attacking force at PSG has been pivotal. His move to a central role under Luis Enrique at PSG last season saw him score 35 goals across all competitions, helping PSG win the UEFA Champions League for the first time. Despite recent injury concerns and a falling out with the France team over a hamstring issue, Dembele remains a crucial player for Les Bleus.
France's Formidable Attacking Arsenal
France's attacking prowess was on full display, with Dembele's hat-trick complemented by Kylian Mbappe's earlier brace in the tournament. The team's front four, including Dembele, Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola, has been a nightmare for opponents. Norway coach Stale Solbakken acknowledged, 'Their front four is the best in the competition by far.' This depth in attack suggests France can be serious contenders even without Mbappe scoring.
Looking Ahead
As France prepares to face a third-placed team in New Jersey in the last 32, assistant coach Guy Stephan highlighted the strength of having players who have consistently won titles in recent years. 'These are players who have not stopped winning things in the last two years. They can take players on, score goals, set up goals. It is a big plus for us,' he said. Dembele's performance against Norway has certainly boosted France's confidence as they eye further success in the tournament.
