· 2 min readIn this Norway vs France match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
It was a match that promised goals, and it did not take long to show why. Before the game had even settled, Mbappé had already struck the crossbar in one of those moments where it looks as though he is simply testing the goalkeeper, only to come within inches of scoring. It was the first warning: France meant business.
And they proved it early. In the 7th minute, they won the ball high up the pitch and moved it forward at speed. Mbappé received possession and played it out to Dembélé on the right, with time and space in front of him, and for a player like him, that is almost a goal already. He drove into the box, danced past his marker, shaping to go either way, and when he shifted onto his right foot, he fired a precise finish across goal. 0-1.
Norway took a long time to grow into the game. They were far too passive, left too much space between the lines, and against a France side like this, that is asking for trouble. More punishment followed in the 20th minute. Once again, Mbappé was at the heart of it, acting as the link, holding the ball up before releasing Dembélé at exactly the right moment. Another one-on-one, another quick decision, but this time he cut onto his left foot and curled the ball into the far corner. Two almost identical goals, but finished in different ways.
Just when it looked as though the game might completely slip away, Norway responded immediately. In the 21st minute, they broke quickly while France switched off. Schjelderup carried the ball forward with very little pressure before slipping it into Aasgaard. His movement was simple but effective, taking Upamecano out of the equation before calmly finishing. It came from nowhere, but it brought the game back to life. 1-2.
In many ways, that summed up the first half: plenty of attacking quality, but very little defensive consistency. Both teams left space, and that kept the contest wide open.
There was, however, one player operating on a completely different level. In the 32nd minute, Dembélé struck again, this time finishing with his left foot to complete his hat-trick. More than that, it was the performance of someone who always seemed to have more time on the ball than everyone else.
The tempo dropped after the break, although there were still key moments. Norway actually started the second half better and earned a golden opportunity in the 47th minute when Oscar Bobb won a penalty. It was the perfect chance to get right back into the game, but Jørgen Strand Larsen squandered it three minutes later. His effort lacked both power and placement, making it an easy save for Maignan.
France eased off, focusing more on controlling the game, while Norway enjoyed more possession without matching the same level of efficiency. Oscar Bobb kept trying, testing Maignan from distance and forcing an excellent save, clearly standing out as Norway’s most determined player.
As the minutes passed, though, the intensity gradually disappeared. France no longer felt the need to push, and Norway no longer had the energy to do so. The game drifted into a controlled spell, almost waiting for the final whistle.
There was still time for one final moment. Deep into stoppage time, in the 94th minute, a cross into the box found far too much space, and Doué rose unmarked to head home with precision. It was a simple goal, but one that perfectly summed up the evening: every time France increased the tempo, they found space.
Post-match
France lived up to their status as favourites, although more through moments of brilliance than sustained dominance. They produced spells of exceptional quality, particularly through Dembélé, and that proved enough.
Norway, despite fielding a changed side, left a positive impression, especially with the way they responded and their willingness to compete throughout.
