France demolishes Norway with Dembele hat-trick; Senegal crushes Iraq

The final round of Group I in the World Cup concluded with emphatic victories on Friday. France defeated Norway 4-1 to secure top spot with nine points. Norway finished second with six points, while Senegal crushed Iraq 5-0, earning three points and hoping to advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

In the France-Norway match, Ousmane Dembélé opened the scoring in the sixth minute after a pass from Kylian Mbappé. He doubled the lead 13 minutes later, again assisted by Mbappé. Norway responded quickly through Telonius Osgord. However, Dembélé completed his hat-trick after half an hour, making it 3-1. In the second half, Norway missed a penalty, and in stoppage time, Désiré Doué headed in the fourth goal.

Meanwhile, Senegal dominated Iraq from the start. Habibou Diarra scored in the fourth minute, and after Iraq's Rebín Sulaka was sent off in the 13th minute, Senegal exploited the numerical advantage. In the second half, Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye (two goals), and Iliman Ndiaye completed the 5-0 rout.

With Group I concluded, France will face a third-placed team in the round of 32, potentially meeting Germany in the round of 16. Norway plays Ivory Coast in the round of 32, with the winner facing Brazil or Japan.

The World Cup is being held across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Group stage ends June 27, knockout stage begins June 28, and the final is scheduled for July 19.