Dembele’s “Hat Trick”—France’s scariest weapon isn’t just Mbappe

When talking about the French team, everyone’s first reaction is definitely Mbappe. But guys, Dembele is the hottest player for France right now.

In the last group-stage match against Norway, Dembele pulled off a hat trick within 32 minutes, becoming the second-fastest player in World Cup history to score a hat trick. All three goals were completed in the first half. With balanced finishing from both feet and explosive power, he left Norway’s back line in disbelief. Combined with his performances from the previous two matches, Dembele has already scored 4 goals in the group stage.

The double wing formed by Dembele and Mbappe is the most terrifying wide combination at this World Cup. Across three World Cups, Mbappe has scored 16 goals in 16 matches—an average of 1 goal per game. Dembele is in top form, and when both of them are on the pitch at the same time, Sweden’s full-backs simply don’t know who to mark—if they guard Mbappe, Dembele cuts inside; if they guard Dembele, Mbappe suddenly accelerates and bursts through. Two bottles of poison—you pick one.

France’s midfield also has Olise and Doue to deliver the ammunition. With Sweden’s defense missing their starting center-back Hien, Lindelof may have to drop back into the center-back position. How long can a makeshift, patched-together back line last against the relentless, rotating attacks of Mbappe and Dembele? I don’t think it will.

Vietnamese commentator Vu Guanghui put it plainly: “France can suppress Sweden’s playing style. The attacking combination of Mbappe, Dembele, and Olise is extremely powerful.” Even the opponents admit they can’t stop them—so Swedish fans are probably already praying to concede fewer goals.

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