France knock Peru out of World Cup with underwhelming win
Kylian Mbappé's first half strike was enough to see France win all three points to go back top of their World Cup group, sending Peru home in the process.
France 1-0 Peru: match report
Kylian Mbappe became France's youngest scorer at a World Cup when he earned Les Bleus a 1-0 win against Peru in their second Group C game, sending the South Americans out of the tournament on Thursday.
The 19-year-old Mbappe tapped in after Olivier Giroud's shot looped over goalkeeper Pedro Gallese when it took a deflection off a defender in the 34th minute of a high-intensity match.
Peru, in their first World Cup finals since 1982, played boldly and had their best chance five minutes into the second half when Pedro Aquino's fierce shot hit the post.
France will need a draw against Denmark in their last game to top the group after the Danes were held 1-1 by Australia earlier on Thursday.
France vs Peru live: latest news
France vs Peru: preview
Many will have forgotten, but it’s worth remembering. Griezmann started the first game of the last European Championships and Deschamps subbed him in the 66th minute. France were winning at that point 2-1. In the next game Griezmann was a substitute against Albania. A lesson he learnt at that tournament. Last Saturday, Deschamps substituted Griezmann in the 69th minute with the score at 1-1 against Australia. France ended up winning 2-1. It might be tempting to conjecture that the Little Prince will be send to the bench again, but it won’t happen this time. That said, France will make changes. Back home, just like in every country during the World Cup, there are millions of managers. And they’ve scolded Deschamps for changing the system at the last minute, going for a 4-3-3 when they qualified with a 4-4-2. The fans also want less exuberance and more experience. Deschamps may well be willing to back down. The veterans Giroud and Matuidi, 31, could start instead of the the youngsters Tolisso and Dembélé. The Barcelona player appeared more pragmatic than Mbappé, but he doesn’t have his status.
Peru ready to make their mark at World Cup 2018
Peru come into the game somewhere between hopefulness and resignation. Their football was a joy to watch against Denmark, but nobody knows exactly how costly Cuevas’ penalty miss will turn out to be. Peru’s hope has a name: Paolo Guerrero. The spiritual leader of the team, the decision by the Swiss court to suspend his ban means he has the chance to fulfil his dream. Gareca won’t wait any longer and after giving him half an hour in the first match, he’ll line him up with the another big name: Farfán.