France vs Peru: Five key observations from Les Bleus’ win

France successfully booked their ticket to the round of 16 with a scrappy win over Peru on Thursday, and Didier Deschamp’s side can relax a bit ahead of their showdown with Denmark next week.

Les Bleus haven’t exactly taken off, but they’re getting the job done, although there still remain doubts about their ability to perform against tougher opposition. However, today’s result was notable as one player made history in the process, and oftentimes, it’s not how one gets the job done, but rather if they can achieve the desired result.

Here are five notable observations from France’s gritty win over Peru on matchday two.

1. No Antoine Griezmann, no Olivier Giroud…no problem

Both the experienced strikers were on the pitch for this game, but neither were able to score. No problem. In youngster Kylian Mbappe they have a proven goalscorer and one who is clearly ready to step up and contribute. Having opened his account for France, the 19-year-old will certainly be eager to add more to his tally as he hopes to be the best young player at this summer’s big affair.

2. Peru simply are not equipped to compete on the biggest stage

It’s their first appearance since 1982, and Peru certainly should celebrate that achievement. After all, qualifying out of South America is arguably the toughest out of any of confederation, and Peru have shown marked improvement over the past few years. However, the simple fact is that Ricardo Gareca’s side, despite their best efforts aren’t ready to compete at the World Cup just yet.

They did put in a great effort, and were unfortunate not to convert their spot-kick against Denmark. But they’re truly out of their depth at this tournament and will hope to scrape something out of their final game against Australia before heading back home.

3. …whilst Mbappe makes history

Mbappe, whose rise has been simply amazing, again showed that he’s certainly not afraid to strut his stuff on the biggest stage. The PSG starlet now is the youngest ever Frenchman to score at a World Cup, after breaking one record as the youngest ever to be called up for the national team in this tournament.

Even better, his goal proved to be the deciding factor as France booked their spot in the round of 16. Fellow rising star Ousmane Dembele will hope to have the same kind of impact as France proceeds at this tournament, though.

4. Paul Pogba showed marked improvement

Pogba has been criticized over and over again for not getting into the game, but he was certainly involved today. It was an all-around solid showing from the man who was once the most expensive player in the world, and he appeared to be a much more confident figure as he helped to control the middle of the park to devastating effect. Let’s hope he can continue growing in form and confidence as the competition picks up, starting from France’s final group stage game against Denmark next week.

5. Giroud making a strong case to be a starter

France missed the big striker’s presence against a physical Australia side that were more than ready to do battle. It wasn’t a coincidence that his introduction as a sub began to turn the tide in Les Bleus’ favor, and so Didier Deschamps decided to throw him in from the start against Peru. Although he wasn’t able to score, he proved to be a menace against Peru’s defense, and it was his deflected shot that Mbappe was able to direct on target for the game’s only goal.

Expect him to be again deployed against Denmark – especially given that they’re one of the biggest sides at this competition.