Yekateringburg, June 21:
Teenager Kylian Mbappe became France’s youngest World Cup goalscorer as they beat Peru 1-0 today to reach the last 16 and condemn the South Americans to an early exit.
France, one of the pre-tournament favourites, join Uruguay and hosts Russia in the knockout rounds with one group game to go.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe — aged 19 years and 183 days — underlined his rich talent and claimed his place in the French record books when he poked home in the first half.
Didier Deschamps’ side face Denmark on Tuesday with top spot in Group C up for grabs but progression to the next stage assured.
In contrast, Peru face Australia with their fate sealed and just pride to play for in front of their passionate and large following that has decamped to Russia.
Some Peru fans were in tears even before kick-off — a generation of Peruvians have never known their country in the World Cup before.
The South Americans’ last appearance was in 1982 and they made this like a home game, ensuring their red and white dominated the Yekaterinburg Arena. (PTI)
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