France 2-1 Denmark: Mbappe brace helps defending champions qualify for last 16

France have become the first team to qualify for the Round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup, after beating Denmark 2-1. In doing so, the defending champions have made the so-called winner’s curse seem like superstition as they continue to impress. 

Kylian Mbappe scored a brace for his country as they won the game, with the second goal coming in the 86th minute. The youngster was very impressive during the 2018 World Cup, and has opened his account this year with a brace. 

Mbappe brace helps France earn win over Denmark 

The PSG star opened the scoring after a brilliant link-up with Theo Hernandez. The AC Milan left-back progressed to the edge of the penalty area before allowing Mbappe to launch a trick shot that beat Kasper Schmeichel. 

Andreas Christensen helped the Danes pull level, heading the ball into the back of the net. But, Mbappe netted a second with four minutes left of the 90 to break Danish hearts. The forward turned in a cross from Antoine Griezmann to regain their lead, which proved to be the winning goal. 

With his brace, Mbappe has overtaken France legend Thierry Henry, with seven World Cup goals to his name. He is also tied with Zinedine Zidane in France’s all-time charts, aged only 23.