France defeated Denmark 2-1 to advance to the World Cup knockout round thanks to two goals from Kylian Mbappe.

After trailing in the 61 minutes, Denmark—which had already defeated France twice in the Nations League this year—quickly equalized through Andreas Christensen.

With his brace, Mbappe joins Pele in becoming the only players to have scored seven or more World Cup goals before turning 25.

The result increased France's undefeated streak at the World Cup to six matches.

Raphael Varane was selected for France's starting eleven, marking the Manchester United player's return to the field after suffering an injury against Chelsea on October 22 and departing the Stamford Bridge field in pain.

Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool was replaced by Varane, whilst Lucas Hernandez, whose anterior cruciate ligament was damaged during the 4-1 victory over Australia, was replaced by Theo Hernandez.

Christian Eriksen, a teammate of Varane at United, was a member of the Danish team looking to build upon their opening scoreless draw with Tunisia.

Although France took some time to create opportunities, there was no denying their aerial menace at the 974 Stadium in Doha.

While Varane turned on Antoine Griezmann's corner and Adrien Rabiot headed Hernadez's crossing into the path of Olivier Giroud, Denmark had to make a hasty retreat.

Giroud was attempting to surpass Thierry Henry as France's all-time leading scorer with his 52nd international goal, but it turned out to be a miserable evening for the ex Arsenal and Chelsea attacker.

Related article

During Qatar, the deterioration of national playing philosophies will be exposed.

Several World Cup superstars have one final chance to win it all, especially Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Arsenal's Martin Odegaard, exhibits class on a forgettable night against Ireland.

After 19 minutes, as Mbappe pounced on Griezmann's pass across the middle, there was a huge uproar.

When Christensen tackled Mbappe with two teammates nearby, it was a decisive move, and the Barcelona defender was not sent off.

Mbappe, however, was in peak form and might have scored. France felt so, but Polish referee Szymon Marciniak disregarded their requests for a red card.

Kasper Schmeichel diverted Rabiot's header before the Danish goalie extended a foot to prevent Griezmann from converting.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg with Andreas Cornelius launched a counterattack from nothing, causing Denmark to momentarily break from their defensive position.

With no one to play alongside him, Cornelius was supplied by Hojbjerg down the right, but he missed wide from a sharp angle.

Five minutes before halftime, the elusive Dembele set up France's greatest opportunity of the opening period.

When Mbappe was unmarked and Dembele tugged the ball toward the penalty spot, Mbappe's calmness failed him once again, and the ball soared over Schmeichel's crossbar.

After Jules Kounde tripped Victor Nelsson on the leg minutes before halfway, France exhaled a sigh of relief.

Kounde should have earned more than a yellow card for his poor charge.

After the half, Denmark started to improve, just as they did against Tunisia, and the game became more competitive.

To challenge Schmeichel from 20 yards, Mbappe left the Danish defense in his wake, but the former Leicester stopper took no chances and deflected the ball around the post.

Griezmann missed from eight yards out only with Schmeichel to face, but Mbappe eventually broke through after switching plays with Hernandez.

Within seven minutes, Denmark had equalized when Andersen touched on Eriksen's corner and Christensen dove to head in from six yards.

Hugo Lloris blocked Jesper Lindstrom's attempt to give Denmark the lead from close range.

A dramatic conclusion saw opportunities for both teams come and go until Mbappe sealed the victory by connecting with Griezmann's cross at the far post with his thigh.

Thanks for reading

Please leave a comment below regarding your opinion on that thrilling encounter between the two teams