Mbappe's Brace Sends France Into Last 16 Past Denmark

Defending Champions France are the first side to qualify for the last 16 with a brace from Kylian Mbappe which propelled them past Denmark in a 2-1 victory on Saturday at Stadium 974.

Like most matches in the World Cup, France came alive in the second half after several missed chances in the first half.

Lucas Hernandez cuts back for Mbappe as he squeezed the ball past two defenders and Kasper Schmeichel to give France the lead in the 61st minute.

The goal took Mbappe to 30 goals for France, his 13th goal in 13 appearances for the Blues.

Danish centre-back Andreas Christensen had a say to give Denmark a quick response as he placed a header into the net beyond Hugo Lloris' reach.

Andreas ChristensenThe goal took the champions by surprise as they thought the initial goal by Mbappe would have won the match for them in a tight game.

But Mbappe rose to put another in and secure an early passage for France at the Qatar World Cup breaking the holders' curse.

A whipping cross from Antoine Griezmann was met by Mbappe's body, not a conventional goal by his standards but it did the job.

France lead Group D with 6 points with Australia behind them with 3 points, and Denmark and Tunisia on 1 point each.