Dembélé downplays hat‑trick, eyes bigger goals for France

Ousmane Dembélé celebrated France’s 4‑1 victory over Norway, scoring a first‑half hat‑trick in just over half an hour, yet he downplayed the achievement, calling the moment unique but insisting his performances against Senegal and Iraq were superior in the World Cup group stage. "I am happy, it is a unique and important moment for me," Dembélé said after the match, as quoted by L’Équipe. He added that his performance was good but that he believed his games against Senegal and Iraq had been better. He noted that after the 3‑1 win against Senegal he could count on criticism, highlighting that his earlier displays had drawn more attention.

Dembélé’s hat-trick seals France’s third straight World Cup win

Dembélé stressed the need to stay focused, saying important things are coming and that the most crucial task is to keep attention on the rest of the competition. The Paris Saint‑Germain forward said the collaboration with Kylian Mbappé and the other attackers is becoming increasingly important, noting that communication is easier and they understand each other better. He emphasized that the group match held little at stake, reinforcing his belief that the team must continue improving as the tournament progresses. Dembélé concluded by urging the squad to maintain the current trajectory, insisting that the progress in attacking chemistry must be sustained.