Joseph Isokpehi Reporting
Defending champions of the FIFA world cup, France on Saturday became the first Nation to reach the round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA world cup in Qatar, the ‘Les bleus’ also are the first team to record six points from two wins over Australia and Denmark in Group D.
The Didier Deschamps potent side knew a second straight win would guarantee them a place in the knockout phase, as  French mega superstar, Kylian Mbappe gave the fans who troop into  the stadium 974 the reason why he is the most sought-after footballer in the world as of today, as his brace ensured the 1998 World cup winners sail through to the round of 16, with a 2-1 over Denmark
The Pacy Paris Saint Germain forward scored the first goal in the 61st minute, but the lead lasted just 7 minutes as Andreas Christensen equalized for the Danes in the 68minutes  and France needed Mbappe to deliver again, this time in the 86th minute as he turned in Antoine Griezmann’s cross for his second goal of the encounter to break the Danish resistance.
With today’s brace for his side, Kylian Mbappe now has seven world cup goals from nine appearances in two World Cups, scoring four in Russia in 2018, one against Australia, and two against Denmark in Qatar.
The cup holders will face African side Tunisia in their final Group game next week and a draw will guarantee them a top-place finish, and a loss will not stop them from topping the group D standing.
The technical bench of France was up to it in today’s second group encounter with Denmark, knowing fully well of the threat the euro 2020 semifinalists can pose.
Truth Live News can recall, that as defending champions in the 2002 FIFA world cup co-hosted by Japan and Korea, Denmark defeated France, played out a goalless draw with France in Russia 2018, just as they defeated the reigning world cup champions home and away in this year’s European Nations league, no doubt Didier Deschamps must have learned his lessons from their previous encounter.
Having reached the last 16 in Qatar, the French side can now be seen as one of the favourite to win this year’s world cup in Qatar, the team is rated by pundits as having what it takes to successfully defend the title they won four years ago in Russia.
Meanwhile, the  Carthage Eagles of Tunisia will have a mountain to climb in the final group game against France after Australia claimed a much-needed 1-0 win over them in front of 42,000 capacity  Al Janoub stadium where Australia had more fans. The only goal of the match came in the 23rd minute when Mitchell Duke headed home Goodwin’s cross.
Tunisia, Denmark, and Australia still have plenty to play for in their final group games.
The Socceroos sit in second place in Group D and face Denmark in their final group match with the knockout round in sight. Followers of the game believe that this Australian team can repeat the feat of the 2006 FIFA world cup in Germany where they reached the round of 16 their best-ever performance parading the likes of  Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell, and Mark Viduka.
