Ousmane Dembele delivered the first World Cup hat-trick of his career as France swept aside Norway 4-1 on Friday to finish top of Group I with a perfect record, yet the Ballon d’Or winner insisted he has produced better displays earlier in the tournament.
The 29-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward struck three times in a devastating 26-minute spell before half-time at Gillette Stadium near Boston, underlining France’s attacking strength as Didier Deschamps’ side completed the group stage with victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway.
Desire Doue added a late fourth to cap another commanding performance as France advanced to the last 32 with maximum points, reinforcing their credentials as genuine World Cup contenders even without relying solely on Kylian Mbappe for goals.
Despite becoming only the fourth French player to score a World Cup hat-trick, Dembele was more interested in the team’s progress than his own milestone.
“This is a unique and important moment for me. But I preferred how I played against Senegal or against Iraq,” Dembele claimed. “I think I was much more influential in those games, so I think we need to stay fully concentrated because we have important things ahead of us.”
His clinical display continued an impressive resurgence that has transformed him into one of the world’s most decisive forwards. Once regarded as a gifted but inconsistent winger during his time at Barcelona, Dembele has flourished since Luis Enrique repositioned him in a central attacking role at Paris Saint-Germain.
The tactical switch helped inspire PSG to their first UEFA Champions League title last season, with Dembele scoring 35 goals across all competitions to secure the Ballon d’Or.
Although injuries briefly resurfaced during the latest campaign following a hamstring problem sustained on international duty in September, PSG carefully managed his workload. He started only 11 Ligue 1 matches but still collected the French top-flight Player of the Year award before scoring seven goals in seven Champions League knockout games as the Paris club successfully defended their European crown.
His World Cup breakthrough has followed a similar trajectory. After waiting until his 13th tournament appearance to score his first goal in Monday’s 3-0 victory over Iraq, Dembele dismantled Norway with finishes using both feet, highlighting the confidence that has become a defining feature of his game.
His contribution also offers France another major attacking weapon alongside captain Mbappe, who scored twice in each of the opening wins over Senegal and Iraq before drawing a blank against Norway.
Defender Maxence Lacroix believes Dembele’s form gives France an added edge heading into the knockout rounds.
“He had a great game. It’s good for us. It’s great to have a player like that who can make the difference,” Lacroix said.
Dembele’s fluid movement alongside Michael Olise, frequently exchanging positions between the right flank and the central attacking role, has caused persistent problems for opposing defences and drawn praise from Norway manager Stale Solbakken.
“Their front four is the best in the competition by far,” Solbakken said.
France’s attacking depth has become increasingly evident. Aside from Mbappe’s goals, every other French strike at this World Cup has come from PSG players, with Dembele, Doue and Bradley Barcola all making valuable contributions.
Assistant coach Guy Stephan believes that winning mentality could prove decisive as France prepare for a last-32 meeting with one of the tournament’s third-placed qualifiers in New Jersey next Tuesday.
“That can only be positive,” Stephan said.
“These are players who have not stopped winning things in the last two years. They can take players on, score goals, set up goals. It is a big plus for us.”
