France put Iraq to the sword in Philadelphia on Sunday, winning 3-0 in a Group I clash that was equal parts dominant football and bizarre weather drama. Ousmane Dembele netted his first-ever World Cup goal in the 66th minute, putting the finishing touch on a performance that sends Les Bleus into the knockout stage with a game to spare.
The PSG winger’s goal came off an assist from Michael Olise, a combination that looked almost casual given the scoreline at that point. For Dembele, a recent Ballon d’Or winner, it was a strangely overdue milestone.
Mbappe’s century celebration
Kylian Mbappe marked his 100th international appearance for France by scoring twice. Mbappe’s two goals effectively killed the contest before Dembele added the third.
Here’s the thing about this match: it almost didn’t happen on schedule. Thunderstorms rolled through Philadelphia and forced a suspension that lasted over two hours. Players retreated to the tunnel. Fans waited in concourses. Television schedules were thrown into chaos.
