Kylian Mbappe scored a brace to help France produce one of the narrow World Cup scores of the weekend action. Mbappe scored the first of his two poacher-like goals on 61 minutes by converting a cross from Theo Hernandez, who also scored in France’s 4-1 victory over Australia on the opening night. Denmark maintained composure despite falling behind; seven minutes later, Andreas Christensen headed in a corner from Christian Eriksen after the French made a defensive error, tying the score. Both teams had chances to win it late in the game, but Mbappe supplied the decisive goal by heading in an Antoine Griezmann cross with four minutes left, once more showcasing his razor-sharp predatory powers.
Denmark had won both of their previous Nations League encounters with France, but in their 0-0 draw with Tunisia on matchday one, they played sluggishly. Which Denmark had initially appeared in a guarded encounter was unclear. Although France posed a bigger offensive threat, Mbappe was difficult to control in the match. A constant menace down the right, Ousmane Dembele appeared to have put Mbappe on a plate at the 40-minute mark, but he blasted over the crossbar from 15 yards.
Denmark had been unable to put the World Cup hosts under any duress, but they managed to tie the score with a set piece – a strategy that was highly successful for them during their spectacular run at the last Euros. After Joachim Andersen had gained the first contact, Christensen was there to score with a header. Denmark was aware that a draw against Australia would put their fate in their own hands, but France persisted in their attack, and as time ran out, Mbappe made the crucial play. Bundling in a Griezmann cross with his thigh from two yards away was a straightforward goal.
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