Mbappe’s Kingdom #1624

France 2 Denmark 1FT

France answered the most notable of concerns in their opening victory to start the World Cup. France went behind against Australia before overturning them to send a message. Adrian Rabiot, Olivier Giroud and Mbappe were all on target for France. Earning them a big three points as the holders start on the right track. Olivier giroud equaled Henry’s goal scoring record for France in the process with France appearing as dangerous as before. The biggest critique surrounding the French team is their notable injuries with the likes of Kareem Benzema, Christopher Nkunku, Paul Pogba, Ngolo Kante and Presnel Kimpembe all out for the tournament. Unfortunately, a name was added to the list after their opening game with Lucas Hernandez tearing his ACL 13 minutes into the World Cup. However, despite all the injury concerns, they were absolutely positively dangerous and all aspects looking like they should be one of the favorites to win the World Cup. Many people believed their injury concerns would be so severe that they would be one of the flops of the 2022 World Cup That was put to bed immediately with their tremendous performance. France in their second match day would have a battle with the biggest challenger in their group Denmark. Denmark is always a dark horse candidate due to the amount of quality players that they have throughout their squad and the success they have had at recent tournaments. In the European championships in 2020, they made it all the way to the semi-final ultimately coming short against England. Euro 2020 became very much about the cardiac arrest Christian Erickson had suffered yet. Denmark galvanized and nearly made the final. Four years earlier in the 2018 World Cup in Russia They were in the group with France and in their previous meeting got a draw with the eventual champions. They made it to the round of 16 before. Ultimately being beat by Croatia who went on to make the final yet. Denmark almost beat them as they fell short on penalties. In the last year. Denmark and France have played a couple of times. Denmark even beat them prior to this tournament. Denmark is not a side to be underestimated. They didn’t play particularly well in their goalless draw with Tunisia, but were expected to provide a challenge for France. France would capture qualification for the round of 16 with a victory while Denmark wanted to show that they still have what it takes to be a dark horse at this World Cup.

A very crucial and important fixture for this group B between France and Denmark kicked off in Doha. On one side, the holders looked breathtaking against Australia while Denmark lacked a bit of something to be desired against Tunisia perfectly setting up this occasion. It was very tightly contested in the early goings. Both sides with plenty of the ball it was pretty split down the middle and a lot of aspects. Denmark looked compact defensively and needed to keep the French attackers in check for them to have a real chance of stealing something. They happened to handle the occasion quite well. However, they did end up under pressure an awful lot as France were creating the majority of the chances. Fortunately for Denmark it’s Kasper Schmeichel was on his game. In the 9th minute. Theo Hernandez supplies a touch to Mbappe mbappé collects before sending a great through ball into Theo as he made his run down the left side; Theo then proceeds to whip it across into the box. Adrian Rabiot gets his head on the end of it with slight blockage from the defense as he attempts to set up Olivier giroud but can’t connect on the ball as Denmark clear it out. Even though the possession was very balanced, the French continued to use their explosive outside players to create chances for themselves. Controversy hit in the 18th minute as Antoine griezmann provides a brilliant through ball intended for Mbappe. The French superstar got on his bike with lightning speed before he is pulled down. While on the break by Christensen. It appeared to be a denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity. If Mbappe is not pulled down, he potentially scores. The referee gave him just a yellow card. In the rules of the game, even if he wasn’t quite in the box yet, it was a clear cut denial of a goal scoring opportunity. He should have been sent off with a red card. However, France were given a free kick and a chance to capitalize. Antoine griezmann sent a cross to the right side as Dembele collects it. He changes his body position before firing a cross away from his body into the box. Adrian Rabiot gets his head on the end of it directing it into the top corner, but somehow Schmeichel makes the important save. In what was one of the most threatening opportunities of the first half. Denmark weren’t creating much and didn’t feel the necessity to take risks. Their plan was to hit on the counter when it comes. Pushing forward against this French team is always dangerous because the attacking masterminds they can thrust forward not to mention the playmakers in their midfield especially Aurélien Tchouaméni. France went for it again in the 32nd minute Dayot Upamecano makes a tackle on Denmark as Griezmann collects the ball finds Olivier Giroud who one touches it back to Griezmann putting him through on goal on the left side. Griezmann was at a disadvantage because of the angle but still takes a swipe at goal. Schmeichel makes the save with his foot. Dembele gets the rebound on his first touch into Aurélien Tchouaméni as he strikes blocked dembele retrieves it again takes him look on goal and blocked again. On two coins of this the French attack taking advantage and nearly breaking through putting Denmark under pressure. Then you see Denmark with a great defensive display denying several opportunities from the French in a very quick sequence. 3 minutes later Denmark finally get into the attacking frame. France lose possession Christensen pushes the ball forward before separating play and dishing it off to Kristensen as the Leeds United attacker brakes on his own into the box firing at near post Just inches off his strike hits against the advertisement board before hitting the side. Netting. Denmark may not have created a lot of chances thus far, but when they were able to break they looked dangerous as Hugo larice very well could have been beaten as France are caught out. A few minutes later in the 39th minute Dayot Upamecano with a beautiful ball hitting on a deep pass to dembele. Dembele takes time as he moves the ball and then find Mbappe the French superstar hit with too much power on his first touch causing the ball to lift over, not threatening schmeichel. This wrapped up the first half with no goals in it as of yet. France with the opportunities but yet to cash in being slightly wasteful in front of goal thus far. Adrian Rabiot header being the best chance of the match up to that point. France and Denmark have a big 45 minutes to go as they prepare for the second half.

Although no goals in that first half, it was very eventful throughout the opening. 45 minutes. The second half it only went up a notch. With both teams going after it It was a chess match that needed a particular moment to break the game open. 10 minutes into the second half in the 55th minute. The French posing the dangerous threat yet again. Antoine griezmann in his own area delivers it to Adrian rabbit who finds Mbappe with a fantastic pass. Mbappé collects and shows the world class ability displaying another reason why he is arguably the best player in the world and why he explodes on these stages. With plenty of space to operate and mbappé takes off while being very cautious with the Danish defense surrounding the box, Mbappe moves into the area makes a cut creating separation from himself. Just enough space to fire off an unbelievable strike of power schmeichel able to make the save while stinging his hands in the process. Even though they didn’t score was really an example of the qualities that Mbappe has and there’s just this sense that the opening goal was on the horizon. 3 minutes later in the 58th minute Aurélien Tchouaméni supplies a fantastic dipping ball for Antoine Griezmann. The atletico Madrid striker tries to catch it but put a little too much on it as he was almost alone in the box. He had the right idea but it turned out to be a wild touch in the end. However, the past from the Real Madrid Scarlet was absolutely sensational. It was coming. You could just feel it. In the 60th minute, the moment finally arrives. A brilliant backpass from Dayot Upamecano freeze up The Hernandez on the left side with so much space in front . Theo Hernandez supplies a touch towards Mbappe as he cuts into the box, creating just enough space in the corner of the eye, he sees Theo open near the touch line. The Hernandez gets the ball back before a swift pass back into Mbappe as the superstar follows through kissing it into the top right corner as France take the 1–0 lead. Mbappe jumps over the advertisement sign running towards the French supporters in celebration as they finally get their goal. It would be his sixth World Cup goal in his 9th game.

However, despite how well France had played and the way they controlled the game and only took one chance for Denmark to find their way back into it. Despite everything that France was doing, Denmark was playing the game very well against them. Even after going down they found their opportunity and cashed in when it arrived. In the 67th minute, Christian Erickson delivers a corner into the box. Anderson gets a slight touch with his head as the ball drops for Andre Christensen heading the ball into the top corner as Denmark draw level. After everything that France had done to take the lead. Their peg back on a very simple corner.

Denmark are never an easy side to take down, showing it with their ability to bounce back so quickly. This ignited the Danish. 5 minutes later substitute Casper dobleberg put a timely ball into the box for Jasper Lindstrom. The Frankfurt star followed through but Hugo Lloris manages to make the stop in. What could have been a second goal for Denmark. 5 minutes later France have a reply of their own. Aurélien Tchouaméni had another absolutely superb day in the midfield. Nearly stuck one of the back of the net. Coming off a corner the ball lands in his space. He goes through pushing himself forward on a diving header, but the youngster can’t quite get the goal that France needed in the moment. Two minutes later in the 79th minute Theo Hernandez in the far corner hit a dime piece into Adrian Rabiot. The Juventus midfielder went for the spectacular going for a scissor kick that nearly found the back of the net In what would have been potentially the goal of the tournament. He did everything right but his strike was just an inch higher than it should have been. A minute later, Denmark looked for the win as Casper Dolberg crosses into the box finding a good touch on it but just wide. Certainly a moment. They wish they could have it back. 6 minutes later. Mbappe ended it. In the 86 minute, griezmann sends a deep cross near the far post. Mbappe makes an outstanding run into the box getting a leg up on the defender as the ball hooks in. He sticks out his leg, hitting his thigh before rolling into the back of the net as France get their second. Unbelievable delivery from griezmann and an outstanding finish from Mbappe. It would be his 7th World Cup goal in nine games. He is now just one goal behind Lionel Messi and Christiana Ronaldo in half amount of games. Mbappe’s finish es Denmark as France once again shows why they are still a huge threat earning a tough to one victory against Denmark. Clinching a spot in the round of 16 for the holders. Meanwhile, Denmark are not out as of yet with a victory against Australia. In the final match day of the group, They still have a pathway to the round of 16, but latent dramatics from Mbappe and griezmann may make it difficult as the holders show their class in a dramatic finish in Doha.

France is the most dangerous team in this tournament. They are the holders for a reason and they have shown their levels in their opening two games. Against Denmark. It wasn’t always easy but still was a performance of dictation and control. The difference between France and everyone else is they have so many players within this side that can make the difference when it matters. It’s one thing to have an unbelievable group. A deadly team from top to bottom. France are not the only team in the tournament with these type of attributes. However, when it comes down to it in the death through moments of adversity, there is not a more reliable selection of game changers that will go and win the game for you. In terms of personnel, Brazil has the best squad in the tournament. Top to bottom. I’ve said in the past that Brazil’s bench could go on and make a semi-final by themselves. They have the deepest most talented squad at the World Cup. They have players that can make the difference. In comparison to France though They don’t have the same. Neymar when available, can make magic happen out of nothing. He’s arguably the best player in the world at the moment. We know what he brings to a team, however collectively as a group. No one in this tournament has the ability to come through when it matters like France. Antoine griezmann over the last couple years may not have shown his best colors on the pitch. He is gone through some difficulties, a club level. However, with France They rely on him to come through in big moments. He may not be their most dangerous player but in late in that game He put in the ball that won them the game. In the end. Theo Hernandez the most dangerous cross of the ball in this tournament and has been putting it on a plate for Mbappe and others constantly in his opening two games. They have a caressel of options in the midfield with Aurélien Tchouaméni, one of the best young midfielders in the world along with Adrian Rabiot who may not be the biggest name or someone Juventus fans are all that fond of, but with France in this tournament, He is stepped up and against Denmark. He nearly scored an impossible goal while also providing efficiency and the impact with a very potent midfield. For France everyone is stepping up putting everyone on alert of how good they are. Dominated Australia against Denmark. Had a little bit of a battle but for large stretches. Created the majority of the chances and then delivered when it matters. This separates France from everyone else. On top of all that Killian Mbappe has shown his levels. Mbappé is arguably the best player in the world. The only player on the planet even close his Neymar. Mbappe may not have shown up for the European championships, but on the big stage in this World Cup he has been absolutely sensational. He has seven World Cup goals in nine games. That is one less than Cristiana Ronaldo and Leo Messi. He scored four World Cup goals as a 19-year-old, one of which was in the World Cup final. He is a different level. Very few, if any, can match what he brings One of the most complete footballers on the planet. While there may be controversial things that make him less likeable than someone else, He is on a stratosphere that is difficult to comprehend. Mbappé like it or not is probably the best player in the world. He’s playing at the absolute highest level imaginable on the biggest stage. Three World Cup goals in two games. As long as Mbappe is there It is going to be extremely hard to stop France. He surrounded by guys like Antoine griezmann. Theo Hernandez dembele who’s best assets go into his strengths. He surrounded by players that can get him the ball and that he is on a same wavelength with. The chemistry between Mbappe and his teammates is undeniable and unbreakable. This makes Mbappe the most dangerous weapon in Qatar. Everyone thought that France were going to struggle because of their lack of success at the European championships and the amount of injuries they have faced. As long as mbappa is there, France are the favorites and should be the favorites. Brazil have the best squad top to bottom, but France has won this thing before while also having the disappointment of the European championships. This makes them the biggest threat. They are determined to lift the World Cup in back-to-back tournaments whether or not that happens is yet to be seen. However, with everything they have put together there, it’s hard to see past France that won the World Cup four years ago. They don’t have to have the best squad, but they have the winning mentality and the desire to win like no other. Mbappe delivers the goods in the end with two goals against Denmark that wins them a tightly contested game. The conversations with Mbappe and Haaland seem to be a topic of conversation. There is no comparison. I once argued That Holland was a superior player. He’s an outstanding goalscorer and could be the most dangerous goalscorer of this upcoming generation however I was wrong and I’m slightly embarrassed that I thought he was better than Mbappe. There’s no conversation to be had while he’s a great goalscorer Mbappe has done and continues to do things that no one can at the final whistle against Denmark who do have the ambition to qualify and I think they still will when they beat Australia. However, in the end I think something becomes unbelievably obvious We just saw the best player in the world. Operate at an extremely high level on the biggest stage of the World Cup. Like it or not it is mbappe’s world and we’re just living in it. France are unbeatable for multiple reasons, but as long as Mbappe is there, they very well could become the first country to win back-to-back World cups. Since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 France have the potential and possibility of reaching that immortality.