Mbappe double sinks Denmark, puts France into last 16
Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including a late winner, as holders France edged Denmark 2-1 on Saturday to become the first team to reach the last 16 of the World Cup. A potent French side knew a second victory in as many Group D outings would take them through to the knockout phase and they were well worth the lead that Mbappe gave them when he opened the scoring at Stadium 974 just after the hour mark. However, Andreas Christensen soon equalised for the Danes and Les Bleus needed Mbappe to deliver again in the 86th minute as he turned in Antoine Griezmann's cross to puncture the Danish resistance once and for all. Having scored four during France's victorious 2018 campaign and one against Australia, Mbappe now has seven goals in nine World Cup appearances. Didier Deschamps's side now have the luxury of going into their final group game against Tunisia knowing a draw will guarantee them top spot, and even a defeat may not prevent them finishing first. Ousmane Dembele was electric at times on the right for France, Griezmann excelled in an advanced midfield role, and Mbappe made all the difference. Earlier in Group D, Australia won a World Cup game for only the third time in their history with a dogged 1-0 victory over Tunisia to revive their last-16 hopes. Striker Mitch Duke scored the only goal of a tight game with a clever header in the first half and Australia then desperately held on to silence Tunisia's vociferous fans. Australia sit second in the group with three points from two games, having been well-beaten 4-1 by France in their tournament-opener. The Socceroos face Denmark in their final group game. (AFP)