Can any team at the World Cup match the defensive prowess required to halt France’s dynamic and diverse attack? Norway’s second-string squad, it turns out, could not, as they were dismantled in the first half in Boston, with Ousmane Dembélé netting a remarkable hat-trick in just 25 minutes, contributing to a 4-1 triumph. With this victory, France ascends to the top of Group I and will face their next opponent in New Jersey next Tuesday, while Norway prepares to challenge Côte d’Ivoire in Texas.
This match was characterized by an enjoyable, free-flowing style, reminiscent of a routine tournament clash, with a vibe akin to a spirited third-place playoff. However, it was more significant than that. The absence of the rested Erling Haaland certainly did not bolster Norway’s aspirations for a deep tournament run, which remain real but fragile, likely diminished by the sight of France’s offense treating Egil Selvik’s goal as their personal practice range during a defensively chaotic first half.
Initially promoted in pre-match discussions as a showdown between Mbappé and Haaland, it ultimately turned into a different affair, as Norway opted to rest Haaland alongside nine other players, sacrificing continuity, momentum, and a cohesive defensive strategy.
The outcome was an unusually one-sided first six minutes of World Cup action. This set the stage for Dembélé’s high-quality first-half hat-trick, all the more surprising given that Norway’s defense repeatedly afforded him the room to execute his moves.
With 32 minutes on the clock and Dembélé already envisioning a trophy for his match ball, Norway could at least take solace in their research; they discovered just how adept Dembélé is at cutting inside and finding the same corner with his lethal left foot.
New England’s mild, lush midsummer ambiance evokes a distinctly European feel, with rolling hills and waterways resembling an endless mega-Devon. Effectively, this was a Euro-playoff for the top position in Group I.
Given this context, it was particularly disappointing that Stale Solbakken decided to rotate ten players out of his starting lineup. One can understand the reasoning; Norway lacks the deep squad depth of other nations, and their key players truly are crucial. This decision could foster team unity, demonstrating that they are all committed to the same goal.
However, it also leaves them vulnerable to potential mid-tournament embarrassment at the hands of the world’s best team. At kick-off, the Boston Stadium was awash with red and blue jerseys. France nearly struck just 20 seconds into the match when Kylian Mbappé, after a moment’s hesitation, was released by a precise Dembélé pass, gliding in from the right only to hit the crossbar from a tricky angle.
Just three minutes later, Manu Koné seized a loose ball at the edge of the box, with Norwegian defenders inexplicably allowing him space. His shot was deflected for a corner by Egil Selvik.
The opening goal finally came after six minutes. Mbappé orchestrated it with a brilliantly executed pirouetting diagonal pass through the retreating defenders, leading to Dembélé cutting inside, feinting, and firing between two Norwegians into the far corner, prompting a rousing cheer from the crowd, a release of energy that had been building.
Mbappé nearly doubled the lead before Dembélé added his second at the 20-minute mark, with a nearly identical setup; Mbappé provided a similar pass from a comparable position. Dembélé’s shot was more central, struck low and hard into the same corner.
But just as the momentum seemed firmly with France, Norway struck back with a fine goal. Andreas Schjelderup connected with Thelo Aasgaard, who skillfully maneuvered inside and found the back of the net. Norway’s players erupted in joy, and the crowd reacted with mixed emotions; the game was vibrant and captivating.
Indeed, this was the ideal time for a commercial break, which was met with thunderous, heartfelt boos. It was a clear indicator of a failure to gauge the audience’s mood.
However, with 32 minutes elapsed, Dembélé restored the two-goal advantage, once again cutting inside to find the same corner. The current Ballon d’Or holder was positioned wider on the right for this match, while Michael Olise played centrally. This tactical adjustment clearly paid off.
At this stage, the anticipation for the second half restart was palpable. Fans wondered how soon Dembélé would take another shot. Yet Norway began the half with energy, as Oscar Bobb earned a penalty through a brilliant display of skill on the right, weaving past Aurélien Tchouaméni and drawing a clear foul from Théo Hernandez. However, Jørgen Strand Larsen’s penalty, stepping in for Haaland, was soft and central, allowing Mike Maignan to make the save.
The half continued, fluctuating between periods of slow play and bursts of intensity, particularly from Mbappé, who seemed poised to score himself. A Mexican wave rolled through the crowd, while a section began chanting “Erling Haaland” repeatedly. Bobb forced a fine low save from Maignan.
At the close of the match, Désiré Doué scored a fourth goal from Bradley Barcola’s cross. France can now proceed with ten goals so far, embodying an unexpected cavalier spirit. Will Solbakken come to regret his decision to downgrade this match? Norway arrived on a wave of recent victories, but the scheduling is not overly tight. The true potential of this Norwegian team remains uncertain. At their best, they could indeed challenge teams of France’s caliber. However, what they lack is the experience of performing under the pressure of tournament conditions. This felt like a missed opportunity to gain valuable experience.
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