Peru eliminated as Mbappe secures France's place in the knockouts
Peru's first World Cup in 36 years has ended in disappointment, after a 1-0 loss to France guaranteed that they will not make it out of Group C.
Didier Deschamps caused some head-scratching with his starting lineup for Thursday's clash, replacing Ousmane Dembele and Corentin Tolisso with Blaise Matuidi and Olivier Giroud. Strangely he utilised Matuidi, who usually plays a relatively deep central role for Juventus, out left in an attacking role ahead of Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante.
Despite a strong start from Peru, France nonetheless looked impressive in the first period. Ricardo Gareca's side threatened in the opening ten minutes, but they were unable to transform their pressure into concrete chances, and France grew into the tie.
They got better the longer the half went on, and after a series of dangerous attacks, they took the lead through Kylian Mbappe in the 34th minute. The PSG starlet had come close just minutes before, but took advantage of a heavy deflection to put his nation one goal to the good.
Olivier Giroud created the opportunity, as his cross/shot bounced off Alberto Rodriguez, over the keeper and right into Mbappe's path. The 19-year-old made no mistake, burying a tap-in to become the youngest Frenchmen to ever score at a World Cup or European Championship.