Dembele downplays hat-trick as France finish top of Group I

Ousmane Dembele scored a hat-trick as France beat Norway 4-1 to finish top of Group I, netting three times in the opening 32 minutes and recording the second-fastest hat-trick in World Cup history. The Ballon d'Or winner downplayed the landmark performance and urged the squad to keep their focus as the tournament moves into the knockout rounds.

He stressed the importance of unity and communication, saying: "It was an important match to finish top of the group. We want to win every game, and we are going to stay focused because what lies ahead is going to be even more difficult. There are quality players on the pitch, and even on the bench.

And with communication, it makes things easier. We understand each other better, so that’s good; we need to keep it up." Dembele offered a candid self-assessment in the mixed zone, adding: "I'm happy, it's a unique and important moment for me. My performance was good, but I preferred my match against Senegal or against Iraq - I think I was much more influential.

France

ousmane dembele, hat-trick, france, norway, group i, world cup, ballon d'or, knockout rounds, communication, unity