France scores four as Dembélé hat-trick seals top spot: Senegal thrash Iraq

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9 days · 11 summary articles
Ousmane Dembélé’s first World Cup hat-trick for France on Friday night propelled Les Bleus to a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway in Boston, sealing top spot in Group I and setting up a potential Round of 32 clash with Germany. The PSG winger struck three times inside 32 minutes as Didier Deschamps’ side finished the group stage unbeaten, while Senegal kept their knockout hopes alive with a 5-0 demolition of Iraq.
Dembélé’s treble, including a 17-pass team move finished clinically, underlined his status as France’s standout performer in a match without competitive stakes. Norway, missing Erling Haaland, offered little resistance as the French forward seized the spotlight ahead of Kylian Mbappé and the delayed Mbappé-Haaland duel. “It was a magical night,” Dembélé told France 24 . “I’m proud to have contributed like this.”
France’s attacking fluidity was on full display, with every outfield player involved in the build-up to Dembélé’s third goal. Mbappé provided the assist for the opener, while Désiré Doué added a late fourth to cap a dominant display. The result means France will face the best third-placed team in the Round of 32, likely Sweden, in New York next week.
In the parallel Group I decider, Senegal crushed Iraq 5-0 to remain in contention for a knockout berth as the third-best group runner-up. Sadio Mané’s side now await their fate, with a potential Round of 32 tie against a higher-ranked European side possible. Iraq’s tournament ended in Boston as they finished bottom of the group.
The contrasting fortunes of France and Senegal highlight the unpredictability of World Cup group stages. While Deschamps’ side exude confidence and attacking prowess, Senegal’s emphatic win keeps African hopes alive. “We showed character,” Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly told France 24 . “Now we wait for the draw.”
With France’s firepower and Senegal’s resilience, the knockout rounds promise drama. For Dembélé, the hat-trick marks a personal milestone ahead of what could be a decisive second week in the tournament.
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