France vs Denmark LIVE: World Cup 2022 final score and result as Kylian Mbappe books knockout spot

Kylian Mbappe scored a second-half double as France became the first team to book their spot in the World Cup knockout stage on Saturday by defeating a feisty Danish team 2-1 in a tense encounter.

After a goalless first half in which the defending champions dominated but failed to convert, defender Theo Hernandez linked up with the electric Mbappe, whose shot deflected off the heal of Andreas Christensen and into the back of the net to give France the lead in the 61st minute. Denmark levelled seven minutes later, with Christensen making up for the deflection by blasting a powerful header past distraught French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Mbappe finished the job in the 86th minute, converting on a cross from Antoine Griezmann and propelling the ball into the back of the net with his thigh.

France top Group D with six points, three ahead of Australia, who beat Tunisia 1-0 earlier in the day, with the Danes and the Tunisians both on one point.

France take on Tunisia and Denmark meet Socceroos in the final round.

Relive all the action with our live blog below:

France vs Denmark

• France beat Denmark 2-1 courtesy of two Kylian Mbappe goals

• 86’ - WINNER! Mbappe bundles home at the back post (FRA 2-1 DEN)

• 68’ - GOAL! Denmark equalise through Andreas Christensen’s header (FRA 1-1 DEN)

• 61’ - GOAL! Mbappe slots home after a lovely one-two with Theo Hernandez (FRA 1-0 DEN)

• 57’ - SAVE! Schmeichel parries over from Mbappe’s shot (FRA 0-0 DEN)

• 40’ - MISS! Kylian Mbappe blazes over from close-range (FRA 0-0 DEN)

• 21’ - GREAT SAVE! Kasper Schmeichel denies Adrien Rabiot (FRA 0-0 DEN)

World Cup 2022: Goodnight!

21:57 , Kieran Jackson

Thanks for joining us for another memorable day of World Cup action!

We’ve had Australia beating Tunisia and Poland defeating Saudi Arabia before France and Argentina turned on the style!

Join us tomorrow for another day filled with four games, starting with Japan vs Costa Rica at 10am!

Goodnight!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-0 Mexico

21:48 , Kieran Jackson

Lionel Messi:

“We needed this result. It seems like in the second half we made our true debut … The first game was difficult for us. It is normal …

“In the first game there is a lot of pressure and we have many young players and it is their first game in the World Cup. It’s not an excuse we did not play well.”

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-0 Mexico - Lionel Messi proves again that Argentina don’t ‘need everyone’ to find Qatar success

21:35 , Kieran Jackson

By Ben Burrows at the Lusail Stadium

Lionel Scaloni told Argentina that they “would need everyone” to drag themselves back from the brink at this World Cup. In the end, as so many times before, they only needed one.

Lionel Messi delivered for his country when they needed him most, scoring one of the goals of the tournament so far to keep them in it, the 2-0 victory over Mexico leaving their chances of progressing in Qatar still in their own hands.

Struck from the edge of the box with that extra-terrestrially-crafted left foot, it’s a goal anyone who has watched one of the greatest players the game has ever seen score countless times before. The emotion after though, Messi screaming in jubilation and running towards his adoring support waiting in the stands, was so very different. This means everything to him, playing here on this grandest of stages for what will surely be the last time with, thanks to his opening - and exorcising - goal at the Lusail Stadium, his hopes of lifting the one trophy that still eludes him in a month’s time still intact.

The aftermath of the shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in their tournament opener four days ago was said to be akin to “emotional detonation” in the Argentine dressing room, the prospect of yet another failure suddenly and viscerally all so real once more, the emotional baggage every player to wear the famous blue and white carries with them well and truly back to burden them again.

With this next Group C game coming two years and a day since Diego Maradona’s tragic death, manager Scaloni had urged his team to channel their idol for a match they so desperately needed. What he got was a moment of magic from his own deity No 10 every inch worthy of the fellow all-time great that preceded him.

Lionel Messi proves again that Argentina don’t ‘need everyone’ to find Qatar success

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-0 Mexico - MATCH REPORT:

21:22 , Kieran Jackson

By Miguel Delaney at the Lusail Stadium:

A hit, and some hope.

If a constant line throughout Lionel Messi’s career has been that it seems like he’s been dropped on the game from another plane, he here descended onto this match to at last elevate it and lift Argentina into the qualification places.

His superb strike to beat Mexico was not so much out of this world as apart from this game. It was a moment of true individual inspiration totally disconnected from general play, which made it all the more essential.

That also made it one of the moments of this World Cup so far, before Enzo Fernandez followed with one of the goals of the World Cup so far.

Qatar will now forever be associated with another moment of football history, and that from one of rival Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambassadors.

It’s the power of sportswashing, distilled into the power of that shot.

Argentina are going to need so much more than that if they are to do justice to their previous status as potential champions.

Lionel Messi delivers moment of inspiration to revive Argentina’s World Cup hopes

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-0 Mexico - PLAYER RATINGS!

21:12 , Kieran Jackson

Sublime strikes by Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez earned a largely-disappointing Argentina a 2-0 win over Mexico in a pulsating atmosphere at the Lusail Stadium and got the South American favourites’ World Cup campaign up and running.

Stunned 2-1 by Saudi Arabia in their opening Group C match, Argentina knew defeat would send them out of the tournament but they started poorly, struggling to cope with Mexico’s high press as Messi was denied time and space to operate.

Argentina’s captain was anonymous in the first half, his sole contribution of note a header that ballooned over the bar, as his team failed to carve out a single decent chance. But, picked out by Angel Di Maria just outside the Mexico box in the 64th minute, Messi made no mistake, arrowing a low shot through a crowd of defenders into the corner.

Fernandez then doubled the lead in the 87th with a wonderful curling effort to seal victory. The win took Argentina up to second place in Group C on three points, one behind leaders Poland, who they play in their last group match. Saudi Arabia are third, level on points with Argentina but with an inferior goal difference.

Here’s how we rated the players:

Argentina vs Mexico player ratings: Messi and Fernandez shine at key moments

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-0 Mexico

21:00 , Kieran Jackson

FULL-TIME: Lift-off for Argentina in Qatar!

A crucial victory for Argentina - Lionel Messi broke the deadlock before Enzo Fernandez sealed the win!

It’s still in their hands ahead of their final match against Poland on Wednesday.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-0 Mexico

20:57 , Kieran Jackson

90+4 mins: Mexico probing but with no real conviction in their attack.

They look knackered. A tough one to take - two moments of individual brilliance have won this tonight!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-0 Mexico

20:53 , Kieran Jackson

90 mins: Six minutes of added time at the end of the second-half.

Argentina comfortable now - Mexico have lost all belief. Understandbly so.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-0 Mexico (Fernandez 87’)

20:49 , Kieran Jackson

87 mins: That’s all three points for Argentina - and what a STUNNER this is!

It’s the substitute Enzo Fernandez. Argentina play a corner short, Messi feeds Fernandez in the box who cuts in and launches a beautiful curling effort into the top corner - no chance for Ochoa!

Argentina have lift-off at this World Cup!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Mexico

20:43 , Kieran Jackson

82 mins: Mexico are presented an opportunity to get the ball in the box but it’s wasteful - Emi Martinez collects the header quite nicely.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Mexico

20:39 , Kieran Jackson

77 mins: Julian Alvarez breaks clear and looks to find Messi, but he can’t quite get a clean connection on it!

The Argentina captain tries to start another attack but the ball just goes out. He’s slow to get back to his feet here... but he’s all good.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Mexico

20:35 , Kieran Jackson

73 mins: Fourth change for Mexico: Roberto Alvardo comes on for Hirving Lozano.

Harsh on Lozano - he’s been Mexico’s best player!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Mexico

20:33 , Kieran Jackson

70 mins: Argentina substitute Nahuel Molina has acres of space at the back post as the ball comes across to him - but he blazes over!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Mexico

20:30 , Kieran Jackson

68 mins: Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni responds with a double sub of his own: Mac Allister and Di Maria OFF; Romero and Palacios ON.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Mexico

20:28 , Kieran Jackson

66 mins: Immediate double sub for Mexico: Vega and Guardado OFF, Jimenez and Antuna ON.

Can they respond? Here’s Messi’s goal!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Mexico (Messi 64’)

20:26 , Kieran Jackson

64 mins: It HAD to be him didn’t it!

Lionel Messi gives Argentina the lead! Di Maria cuts in and he has some space at the edge of the box - he shoots bang in the bottom-corner!

Ochoa can’t quite get there! Argentina’s main man does it again!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

20:24 , Kieran Jackson

63 mins: Double sub for Argentina: Martinez and Montiel OFF, Alvarez and Molina ON.

Can the Manchester City striker be a match-winner for his country?

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

20:22 , Kieran Jackson

60 mins: Concerted Argentina pressure now, they’ve got most of the ball but seem to only be turning to Messi to create something.

A lack of incision in their play so far... 30 minutes left.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

20:18 , Kieran Jackson

57 mins: Messi this time misplaces a pass for Acuna, behind for a goal-kick. He has a gormless look on his face...

Substituton: Rodriguez is off for Argentina and Enzo Fernandez is on.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

20:13 , Kieran Jackson

52 mins: Oh no, Lionel.

He’s leaning back and it sails harmlessly over Ochoa’s bar.

Not his night so far - will it be his tournament? Doesn’t look like it...

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

20:11 , Kieran Jackson

50 mins: Oh what a perfect position this is for Lionel Messi!

He wins the free-kick, running towards the penalty area, and Mexico sub Erick Gutierrez hacks him down.

He’s booked. Messi over it... is this his moment?

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

20:08 , Kieran Jackson

SECOND-HALF: We’re back underway at the Lusail Stadium!

No changes at the break but Mexico did make one in that first-half.

So, what do Argentina have here? Surely the second-half can’t be as bad as the first?!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico - pundit quotes!

20:01 , Kieran Jackson

Roy Keane, speaking to ITV:

“It’s like watching a Championship match. Supporters are doing everything they can, referee has been poor. We need to see more quality. Di Maria would break your heart. Di Maria’s guaranteed to give it away. Watching him out there, take him off. End product and decision making for an experienced player is so poor.

Gary Neville:

“Is this what Argentina are? We’ve watched them for game and a half, there’s no pattern of play, they look like they’re reeling from Saudi. It’s been a poor Argentina performance. Argentina haven’t got what we’ve [England] got in attack. He has no heart.

The two wingbacks who came in look nervous. Mexico close them down quickly. Watching Messi 10 years ago for Barcelona, players didn’t go near him. Players are taking the ball off him, he’s finding it really difficult out there!”

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:53 , Kieran Jackson

HALF-TIME: The corner doesn’t beat the first man and that rather sums up the half.

Fesity. Physical. But not a lot of opportunities for either side - it’s been very stop-start.

Argentina need to buck up their ideas, that’s for sure. Goalless at the break.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:51 , Kieran Jackson

45+6 mins: Better from Argentina. From right to left, a cross in forces a corner...

Last play of the half...

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:50 , Kieran Jackson

50 mins: The ball breaks to Vega outside the box, but his effort is wayward into the stands.

Half-time approaching... someone needs to remind Argentina they have to win this game!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:46 , Kieran Jackson

45 mins: Great grab by Emiliano Martinez!

Vega takes a lovely curling free-kick, clearing the wall, but the Argentina goalkeeper clutched it superbly out the air!

Not even a punch! He made it look easy!

Five minutes of added time at the end of the first-half..

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:44 , Kieran Jackson

43 mins: First booking for Argentina!

Gutierrez clattered by Gonzalo Montiel, stonewall yellow.

Mexico free-kic, 10 yards outside the box, centre of the pitch. Shooting range...

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:42 , Kieran Jackson

42 mins: Mexico substitution: 36-year-old Andrés Guardado - who didn’t play in the first game due to a knock - has been replaced by Erick Gutiérrez.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:41 , Kieran Jackson

41 mins: First chance!

Argentina’s Angel Di Maria whips it in and Lautaro Martinez wins the header - but he can’t get a clean connection and it sails over!

He should have done better!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:39 , Kieran Jackson

39mins: Messi tries to start an attack but De Paul goes too wide after being fed by the Argentina captain, who flaps his arms up in the air after the ball goes out.

He’s been anonymous so far. A reminder that Argentina really need to win - and if they lose, they are out.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:35 , Kieran Jackson

35 mins: Messi’s free-kick is punched high in the air by Ochoa before the Mexican goalkeeper wins a foul as the ball drops down.

A tad fortunate there was the Mexico tournament titan!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:34 , Kieran Jackson

33 mins: Alexis Vega lucky to get away without a booking for a late lunge on Rodrigo de Paul.

Very lucky to get away without a booking there. Messi is now over a free-kick on the right-hand side...

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:33 , Kieran Jackson

32 mins: Argentina win a corner, with Di Maria weaving down the left.

Half-an-hour in and we haven’t had a strike on goal - could that change here?!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:29 , Kieran Jackson

28 mins: Acuna this time the offender, looks like an accidental stamp on Mexico’s Kevin Álvarez as he crossed the ball!

The Mexicans aren’t happy about it! No booking though.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:23 , Kieran Jackson

22 mins: First booking of the night - it won’t be the last.

Mexico’s Néstor Araujo sees yellow for a late lunge on Marcos Acuña. Needless - and a concrete booking.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:20 , Kieran Jackson

19 mins: Lozano again does brilliantly up against the Argentine centre backs, winning a free-kick 10-12 yards outside the penalty area - centre of the pitch.

Just within shooting range? Tempting...

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:17 , Kieran Jackson

16 mins: Pretty feisty so far!

Mexico are bringing the phyiscality and Argentina look a little bit rattled at the moment.

No clear chances to speak of as of yet as well...

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:11 , Kieran Jackson

10 mins: Herrera looks to get on the end of a fizzing free-kick into the Argentina box - he gets a slight nick, but the man at the back post just can’t reach it!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:09 , Kieran Jackson

9 mins: Wasteful from Mexico - they go short and lose the ball.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:09 , Kieran Jackson

8 mins: Hirving Lozano does well to win a corner for Mexico on the right-hand side..

This will be key for the Mexicans tonight: how they use set-pieces.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico

19:06 , Kieran Jackson

5 mins: Early pressure from Argentina but defender Gonzalo Montiel is now down after claiming an elbow in the face from Mexico’s Alexis Vega!

No booking from the Italian referee. Right decision. The physios are on though...

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Mexico

19:00 , Kieran Jackson

KICK-OFF: We’re underway for this crucial Group C clash in Qatar!

Can Lionel Messi guide his team to a much-needed Argentine win?

The atmosphere inside this stadium - which will host the final - is booming!

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Mexico - a reminder of the starting XIs!

18:58 , Kieran Jackson

Argentina: Damian Martinez, Montiel, Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Acuna, De Paul, Rodriguez, Di Maria, Messi, Mac Allister, Lautaro Martinez

Mexico: Ochoa, Montes, Araujo, Moreno, Kevin Alvarez, Herrera, Guardado, Chavez, Gallardo, Lozano, Vega

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Mexico

18:55 , Kieran Jackson

The teams are out at the spectacular Lusail Stadium!

Time for the national anthems!

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Mexico

18:50 , Kieran Jackson

The players are back in after their warm-ups as we gear up for this crucial Group C clash!

Argentina are currently bottom of the group after their shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia while Mexico are third following their 0-0 draw vs Poland.

Here’s a reminder of what happened between Poland and Saudi Arabia earlier today!

Lewandowski joins the World Cup party as Poland beat entertaining Saudi Arabia

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Mexico - Argentina aim to ‘turn the page’ after shock opening chapter of World Cup

18:46 , Kieran Jackson

By Miguel Delaney in Doha

As Lionel Messi walked down for breakfast on the morning after the “nightmare” before, he immediately realised the Argentina squad needed rallying. The captain had told them they had to “turn the page” on the shock defeat to Saudi Arabia, but felt a bit more had to be done to change the atmosphere.

It was decided to open up their Qatar University camp and let the players’ families. They stayed for over five hours, and it was said to be “great for the team”.

There was already a considerable difference from 24 hours before, when the dressing room was described by numerous figures as “a horror”.

If this all seems like an old-fashioned overemphasis on the psychology of the Argentina squad, it is because it remains a very present problem. They have probably been the national team most affected by mood than any other in the last decade. When things are going well, as they were throughout that 36-match run, the team can be electric; flying. When there’s a setback, as started with that first offside against Saudi Arabia, it gets to them.

It is telling that they were never once behind in that long run. It is even more telling that, once Salem Aldawsari scored for Saudi Arabia to go ahead, Argentina barely mustered a chance.

Argentina aim to ‘turn the page’ after shock opening chapter of World Cup

World Cup 2022 - Argentina vs Mexico: Pre-match odds!

18:40 , Kieran Jackson

Argentina the favourites with the bookies today in a match they really need to win!

Argentina 40/85

Draw 31/10

Mexico 7/1

Odds provided by Betfair

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Mexico: Lionel Scaloni calls on Argentina players to honour Diego Maradona’s memory

18:32 , Kieran Jackson

Argentina football manager Lionel Scaloni called on his players to honour the memory of Diego Maradona by getting their World Cup 2022 back on track against Mexico.

On the two-year anniversary of the death of the nation’s footballing hero, Scaloni invoked the spirit of the man who captained his country to success in 1986 as they look to bounce back from their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia.

Anything other than a victory would leave the South Americans’ hopes of progressing out of Group C hanging by a thread.

“Today is a very sad day for everyone,” Scaloni told a press conference. “Tomorrow we hope to bring some joy for Maradona, who will be looking down at us from the sky. That will be the most important thing for us.

“Every time we see images of him it is unbelievable that he is not here with us. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a happy day for all of us.”

While the 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, having been ahead, was a major surprise and put Argentina’s tournament at risk, Scaloni insists they have put the result behind them. And he is confident his players will produce a response after pledging they will “break their backs” to turn things around.

“Emotionally we had to digest (the result) and, when you have one blow, two blows, what you need to do is bounce back and this group is ready to rise and bounce back,” Scaloni added.

Lionel Scaloni calls on Argentina players to honour Maradona’s memory

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Mexico - here are the starting XIs!

18:24 , Kieran Jackson

Argentina: Damian Martinez, Montiel, Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Acuna, De Paul, Rodriguez, Di Maria, Messi, Mac Allister, Lautaro Martinez

Subs: Armani, Foyth, Tagliafico, Paredes, Pezzella, Alvarez, Rulli, Romero, Palacios, Correa, Almada, Gomez, Dybala, Jeremias, Molina.

Mexico: Ochoa, Montes, Araujo, Moreno, Kevin Alvarez, Herrera, Guardado, Chavez, Gallardo, Lozano, Vega

Subs: Talavera, Edson Alvarez, Vasquez, Arteaga, Romo, Rodriguez, Jimenez, Funes Mori, Cota, Gutierrez, Pineda, Sanchez, Martin, Antuna, Alvarado.

France 2-1 Denmark player ratings: Kylian Mbappe in unstoppable form as Aurelien Tchouameni shines

18:10 , Kieran Jackson

France beat Denmark at the third time of asking in recent meetings between the two, a late Kylian Mbappe strike settling the game 2-1 to leave Les Bleus well-placed to top their World Cup 2022 group.

It was Denmark who triumphed in both Nations League games of late, but although they survived France’s non-stop attacking for long periods here, they never looked like making it three out of three.

Their initial response to falling behind to Mbappe’s smart finish was impressive, though, with Andreas Christensen powering in a header from a corner only a few minutes after the Danes fell behind.

Late on it was only France who pushed for the points, with Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot going close - but it was left to Mbappe once again to find the crucial touch to become joint top scorer at the tournament so far.

Here are the player ratings from the Group D clash at Stadium 974.

France vs Denmark player ratings: Mbappe unstoppable, Tchouameni stars

World Cup 2022: France 2-1 Denmark

18:04 , Kieran Jackson

France are now top of Group D on six points, with Australia second on three points. Tunisia and Denmark are bottom of the group with one point.

Tunisia vs France and Denmark vs Australia are the final games.

World Cup 2022: France 2-1 Denmark

17:58 , Kieran Jackson

FULL-TIME: France have done it - the world champions are the first team through to the last-16!

It was the Kylian Mbappe show! His two goals made the difference either side of Andreas Christensen’s header!

A tight game, but France come out just on top!

World Cup 2022: France 2-1 Denmark

17:52 , Kieran Jackson

90+2: Griezmann makes way for Fofana, while for Denmark: Bah comes on Kristensen.

Denmark press for a goal...

World Cup 2022: France 2-1 Denmark

17:51 , Kieran Jackson

90 mins: Mbappe eyes a hat-trick as he takes on a volley, but it’s straight at Schmeichel - he should have played in Thuram!

Six minutes added on... can Denmark find another equaliser?!

World Cup 2022: France 2-1 Denmark (Mbappe 86’)

17:46 , Kieran Jackson

86 mins: Kylian Mbappe looks to have won it for France!

Coman sets up Griezmann who crosses it with his left-foot, and Mbappe bundles it home at the back post!

Terrific movement from Mbappe - and he’s stayed just onside!

World Cup 2022: France 1-1 Denmark

17:45 , Kieran Jackson

85 mins: Hojbjerg has a speculative effort from long-range - but he drags it wide...

Just five to go..

World Cup 2022: France 1-1 Denmark

17:41 , Kieran Jackson

81 mins: So close from Braithwaite!

Denmark are still dangerous on the break! Braithwaite is first to the ball at the near post but his first-time effort clips the outside of the near post!

Very open game now!

World Cup 2022: France 1-1 Denmark

17:39 , Kieran Jackson

80 mins: Rabiot close with a spectacular effort!

Hernandez crosses from the left and the France mdifielder connects with an acrobatic effort at the back post - but it sails over!

10 to go - will we have a winner here?

World Cup 2022: France 1-1 Denmark

17:38 , Kieran Jackson

78 mins: So close for substitute Aurélien Tchouaméni!

His header is goalbound but takes a slight nick off a Denmark defender!

Corner now for France...

World Cup 2022: France 1-1 Denmark

17:35 , Kieran Jackson

75 mins: France make a double sub; Coman and Konate ON; Dembele and Varane OFF.

World Cup 2022: France 1-1 Denmark

17:33 , Kieran Jackson

73 mins: Good save from Hugo Lloris!

Jesper Lindstrøm shoots first time in the box and the France captain does well to parry clear!

Denmark pushing for an unlikely winner!

World Cup 2022: France 1-1 Denmark (Christensen 68’)

17:28 , Kieran Jackson

68 mins: Denmark fire back!

It’s Andreas Christensen who scores in his 60th cap! Andersen heads on at the near post and the centre back comes steaming in to head past Hugo Lloris!

Work to do yet for France! This game has suddenly roared into life...

World Cup 2022: France 1-0 Denmark

17:26 , Kieran Jackson

67 mins: Jesper Lindstrom whips in a terrific ball across the face of goal but no Denmark player is there to tap-in!

France eventually clear their lines!

Denmark corner,,,

World Cup 2022: France 1-0 Denmark

17:22 , Kieran Jackson

63 mins: Olivier Giroud is replaced by Marcus Thuram.

Can Denmark respond here?!

World Cup 2022: France 1-0 Denmark (Mbappe 61’)

17:21 , Kieran Jackson

61 mins: Bang on time - France have the breakthrough!

It’s terrific from Theo Hernandez and Kylian Mbappe! They play a pair of one-twos and Mbappe is the man who slots home past Schmeichel, who went down early with the ball taking a slight deflection!

The reigning champions have the lead!

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

17:20 , Kieran Jackson

60 mins: Big miss from Griezmann!

Nelsson gets his bearings all wrong with a looped ball over the top and the France forward is in.

His first bit is excellent with his chest control but he fires over with only Schmeichel to beat!

It’s just not clicking for France yet! 30 to go...

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

17:17 , Kieran Jackson

57 mins: Mbappe forces a save out of Schmeichel!

The France star is in full flow as he dribbles towards the box and shoots with his left-foot straight at the Denmark keeper.

The Danes clear their lines from the corner...

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

17:15 , Kieran Jackson

55 mins: Denmark have a rare opportunuity in attack from a corner.. and from the second ball they look to have a chance in the box, but the flag is up!

Game has hit a lull - and not for the first time...

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

17:10 , Kieran Jackson

50 mins: Dembele ALMOST finds Mbappe with a little touch in the box but Schmeichel is sharp to react!

France have started the quicker here...

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

17:06 , Kieran Jackson

SECOND-HALF: We’re back underway at Stadium 974!

A reminder that if France win, they are through to the last-16!

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

17:05 , Kieran Jackson

The teams are back out for the second-half at Stadium 974!

Denmark make a sub at half-time: Braithwaite comes on for Cornelius.

Will we get a breakthrough here?

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

16:50 , Kieran Jackson

HALF-TIME: Nothing to seperate these two at the break!

France have had the better chances, with Mbappe and Rabiot going close, but Denmark have held their own so far at Stadium 974!

Goalless in Group D!

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

16:47 , Kieran Jackson

45 mins: Eriksen shoots wide from long-range. Heading for all-square at the break.

Three minutes of added time at the end of the first-half..

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

16:43 , Kieran Jackson

43 mins: Kounde in the book for a late lunge on Victor Nelsson!

He’s receiving treatment - that one will hurt!

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

16:41 , Kieran Jackson

40 mins: What a miss from Mbappe!

Dembele sets him up perfectly in the box but the PSG man skies his effort into the crowd!

Best chance of the game so far!

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

16:38 , Kieran Jackson

37 mins: Mbappe volleys a cross into the box and Giroud throws himself at the ball - but can only head wide!

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

16:37 , Kieran Jackson

36 mins: Quick Denmark break and a sight of goal for Cornelius!

The Danes break quickly and the striker is in, just onside, but he can’t work Lloris and shoots wide!

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

16:36 , Kieran Jackson

34 mins: France well and truly on top now!

But Denmark get bodies in the way of a few snapshots in the box - they’re holding firm for now!

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

16:31 , Kieran Jackson

30 mins: This is all about Kylian Mbappe!

He cuts in, then goes round the outside to dig out a cross to the back post - Jules Kounde is there, but his shot is blocked just in front of Schmeichel!

Terrific though from France’s main man!

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

16:24 , Kieran Jackson

23 mins: Cornelius somewhat harshly booked for a late tackle on Giroud in the middle of the park.

Then again, he does just catch him on the foot...

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

16:22 , Kieran Jackson

21 mins: Great save from Schmeichel!

Rabiot is first to the ball in the box from Dembele but his glancing header is kept out firmly by the Danish captain!

First big opportunity of the game!

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

16:21 , Kieran Jackson

19 mins: Yellow not red for Andreas Christensen!

Mbappe is onto a through ball from Griezmann behind the Danish back line - and the Barca defender can’t cope with it!

He hauls him down - but the two covering defenders save him. Just a booking!

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

16:15 , Kieran Jackson

13 mins: Griezmann whips in a terrific free-kick but it’s well defended by Denmark’s Andreas Cornelius.

Then, Varane wins the header from the corner at the near post and with Giroud ready to tap in, Joakim Mæhle clears for Denmark!

Bit more defined France pressure now!

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

16:11 , Kieran Jackson

10 mins: Theo Hernandez plays a lovely one-two with Mbappe down the left. The defender puts in a good cross and after a knock down, Giroud looks all set to strike at goal before Christian Eriksen gets a crucial foot in!

Meanwhile, a Mexican wave has already started around Stadium 974. Whisper it quietly: you hate to see it.

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

16:07 , Kieran Jackson

6 mins: Some neat footwork from Ousmane Dembele sets the France attack off, before Mbappe finds the Barcelona man again on the edge of the box... but his tame shot is blocked.

France looking sharp on the break - yet Denmark dominating the ball early on!

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

16:05 , Kieran Jackson

4 mins: Denmark with the early possession here - a chance to whip the ball in from a free-kick is well cleared by France.

Mbappe has just been seen off in his first duel of the evening by Hojbjerg...

World Cup 2022: France 0-0 Denmark

16:02 , Kieran Jackson

KICK-OFF: Denmark get us underway in their changed strip of white shirts and red shorts, with France in their usual blue kit.

A win for the French will see them be the first team to qualify for the last-16!

World Cup 2022: France vs Denmark: A reminder of the teams at Stadium 974!

15:58 , Kieran Jackson

France: Hugo Lloris, Jules Kounde, Raphael Varane, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe

Denmark: Kasper Schmeichel, Joachim Andersen, Victor Nelsson, Andreas Christensen, Rasmus Kristensen, Pierre Hojbjerg, Christian Eriksen, Joakim Maehle, Jesper Lindstrom, Andreas Cornelius, Mikkel Damsgaard

World Cup 2022: France vs Denmark: The teams are out at Stadium 974!

15:55 , Kieran Jackson

France are looking to make it two wins from two after they came from a goal down against Australia to run out 4-1 victors in their opening match. Olivier Giroud bagged a brace to maintain his great form for Les Bleus whilst Kylian Mbappe also got his tournament underway with a goal against the Socceroos.

Their opponents, Denmark, where left frustrated in their first game of the competition as they were held to a goalless draw against African side Tunisia. Not even Christian Eriksen’s emotional return to the international stage – following his collapse during the Euros – could inspire the Danes to break through Tunisia’s solid defence.

Les Bleus will qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament should they sweep past Denmark this afternoon but they haven’t beaten today’s opponents since 2015.

Time for the national anthems!

World Cup 2022: France vs Denmark: Why Karim Benzema’s absence could improve France’s World Cup chances

15:53 , Kieran Jackson

Take Karim Benzema out of the Real Madrid side last season and it is entirely uncontroversial to suggest they would not have won La Liga or the Champions League; not without his 44 goals in 46 games. Remove him from the France team and there is a case to say their chances of winning the World Cup are greater.

It is an argument based on history rather than individual quality, admittedly: French history, in particular. The peculiarity of their two triumphant campaigns is that neither contained a goal from the main No 9. Benzema scored three goals in 2014 and France exited in the quarter-finals. Stephane Guivarc’h failed to score in 1998 – indeed he ended his international career with a lone goal – and France won the World Cup. Olivier Giroud did not even muster a shot on target in 2018, yet he was the selfless foil as Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe scored four times apiece. Glory went to France.

None of which necessarily makes possessing a non-scoring striker a failsafe formula, but it may mean Benzema’s absence does not spell a death sentence to France’s defence of their crown. Didier Deschamps sounded stoical. “Despite this new blow, I have every confidence in my squad,” the France coach said. “We are going to do everything to meet the immense challenge that awaits us.”

In part, that reflects the potency of Mbappe and Griezmann; each was a scorer in the last final. It also highlights the curious cause of Giroud, who spent much of Benzema’s five-year international exile as France’s first-choice striker when he did not always have the same status at Arsenal and then at Chelsea. The 36-year-old could become France’s record scorer in Qatar, though his past suggests not: only five of his 49 international goals have come in major tournaments.

That the record passed from Just Fontaine to Michel Platini to Thierry Henry shows that it has tended to be the domain of the greats. Giroud has rarely been bracketed in that category – he would be an incongruous sight at the summit when the top 10 also includes Zinedine Zidane, Jean-Pierre Papin, Griezmann and Mbappe – who, given his youth, would surely overhaul him before his 30th birthday.

Could Karim Benzema’s absence improve France’s World Cup chances?

World Cup 2022: France vs Denmark: The teams have finished their warm-ups!

15:48 , Kieran Jackson

2018 final vs Croatia, 2022 vs Australia.... Kylian Mbappe is looking to score for the third-straight World Cup game running against Denmark this afternoon at Stadium 974!

However, Denmark recently won both Nations League games against France whilst earning a 0-0 draw with the eventual champions in the group stages of the 2018 World Cup.

Should be a cracking contest this!

World Cup 2022: France vs Denmark: Pre-match odds!

15:46 , Kieran Jackson

France 5/6

Draw 5/2

Denmark 15/4

Odds provided by Betfair

World Cup 2022: France vs Denmark - Lucas Hernandez out of World Cup with knee injury

15:38 , Kieran Jackson

Lucas Hernandez has become the latest France player to be ruled out of the World Cup.

The Bayern Munich defender was forced off in the first half of Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Australia and subsequent scans have shown a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee.

It means Hernandez will be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines and play no further part in the holders’ attempts to defend their World Cup title in Qatar.

National team boss Didier Deschamps said: “Like the whole group, players and staff, I am extremely sorry for Lucas.

“We are losing an important element. Lucas is a warrior and I have no doubt that he will do everything possible to return to the game. “First plan, I know him well. Courage, he will have it, that’s for sure.”

France defender Lucas Hernandez out of World Cup with knee injury

World Cup 2022: France vs Denmark - Here’s what happened earlier in Group D: Tunisia 0-1 Australia

15:27 , Kieran Jackson

With the reigning world champions up against every expert’s pick for dark horses in Group C’s other outing, this was always going to be billed as the battle of its also-rans, in its rightful place as first up and firmly on Saturday’s undercard. But if either Tunisia or Australia could beat the other, they would have a good chunk of the points required to have a shot at a surprise last-16 spot, and would only need a result against their European rivals to sneak in.

Tunisia started the day in the stronger position but, courtesy of Mitch Duke’s deft first-half header, Australia ended it in the ascendancy. Their World Cup 2022 campaign was always likely to come down to this specific game and by just about edging it, Graham Arnold’s side know that a win against Denmark will see a limited but organised group of players emulate 2006’s ‘Golden Generation’ by reaching the knock-out stages.

That may still be a tall task but it is no taller than Tunisia’s. The Eagles of Carthage impressed in holding Denmark to a point earlier this week but now have to beat France - and perhaps beat them handsomely - in order to have any hope of extending their stay in Qatar.

Scoring a goal would help. Despite mounting a spell of desperate late pressure, they rarely looked like opening their account for the tournament.

Just as against Denmark in Education City on Tuesday, Tunisia’s travelling support took up the majority of the tickets on offer, effectively turning the Al Janoub into a home ground. Small pockets of green and gold were vastly outnumbered in the stands but Australia would not be outgunned on the pitch, where, just as against France, they made the faster, stronger start.

The scrappy initial stages found a brief moment of fluency as Riley McGree’s ball out to left found Craig Goodwin in space. Australia’s goalscorer against the world champions would turn creator, but not without the assistance of a heavy deflection on his cross that sent it bouncing into the ground and up towards the head of Duke. An expertly-judged flick carried the ball beyond Aymen Dahmen.

Australia beat Tunisia to claim first World Cup win in 12 years

World Cup 2022: France vs Denmark - Christian Eriksen returns to major tournament stage at Qatar World Cup... with added percussion

15:15 , Kieran Jackson

Seventeen months after suffering a heart attack during Euro 2020, Christian Eriksen did what had seemed unthinkable at the time and walked out on to the pitch with many of the same Danish teammates who had stood around him collapsed on the turf, to play in the 2022 World Cup.

What is almost as remarkable as his appearance in Qatar, played in the sort of sticky heat that sucks at the lungs and pumps the heart, is that he arrives restored as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. Arguably Eriksen is more complete than ever before, reinvented slightly as more of a tempo-setter at Manchester United but still carrying a gleaming arsenal of weapons, that flat missile of a cross as treacherous to defend as it ever was.

It is the sort of cliche befitting a World Cup to say that Eriksen’s cerebral nature embodies the temperament of his nation. Interviews with Eriksen portray an almost sheepishness in that soft scratchy voice, as if he’s sorry to have had such a showy cardiac arrest.

His football is a reflection of the man: concise and efficient without ever taking an unnecessary touch, shuffling around midfield like an innocent bystander, knitting and stitching in areas of apparent safety. But an opponent’s sense of security is usually misplaced: like a magic trick, he appears on the right wing and a single swing of his right boot cuts Tunisia’s defence in half.

Christian Eriksen returns to a major tournament stage – with added percussion

World Cup 2022: France vs Denmark - Didier Deschamps hopes France have learnt lessons from Denmark defeats

14:58 , Kieran Jackson

France manager Didier Deschamps hopes his side learnt lessons from surprise Nations League defeats to Denmark ahead of Saturday’s World Cup 2022 clash in Doha.

The reigning champions go into the encounter leading the way in Group D after kicking off their title defence with an emphatic 4-1 thrashing of Australia. Yet Denmark, who began with a goalless draw against Tunisia, are bidding for a hat-trick of wins over Les Bleus, having already beaten them home and away this year.

“They are underestimated as a team,” Deschamps said. “We are talking about a four-month period where they beat us twice and made life very difficult for us. We will have to make sure that’s not the case (this weekend).

“It is not a question of revenge because we know the Danish players and they know us. They can change system from one match to the other and that can give us different types of difficulties.”

Deschamps will be forced into at least one change to the starting XI which began against Australia as Bayern Munich defender Lucas Hernandez is out of the rest of the tournament with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

His brother Theo Hernandez is expected to replace him, while Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane is fit to start but winger Kingsley Coman (hip) sat out Friday’s training session. Denmark won 2-1 in Paris in June before defeating the world champions 2-0 in Copenhagen at the end of September.

Didier Deschamps hopes France have learnt lessons from Denmark defeats

France vs Denmark: World Cup LIVE - Your starting XIs!

14:43 , Kieran Jackson

France: Hugo Lloris, Jules Kounde, Raphael Varane, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe

Raphael Varane back in the starting line-up for the reigning world champions!

Denmark: Kasper Schmeichel, Joachim Andersen, Victor Nelsson, Andreas Christensen, Rasmus Kristensen, Pierre Hojbjerg, Christian Eriksen, Joakim Maehle, Jesper Lindstrom, Andreas Cornelius, Mikkel Damsgaard

France vs Denmark: World Cup LIVE

14:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

France continue their World Cup 2022 campaign as they face Denmark in Group D this afternoon. The reigning champions are looking to make it two wins from two after they came from a goal down against Australia to run out 4-1 victors in their opening match. Olivier Giroud bagged a brace to maintain his great form for Les Bleus whilst Kylian Mbappe also got his tournament underway with a goal against the Socceroos.