Kylian Mbappe strike sends France into knockout stages as unlucky Peru crash out

Kylian Mbappe’s first World Cup goal was enough to send France into the knockout stages and send Peru crashing out of the tournament after just two matches.

France made a slow start against Peru, the team many predicted would be their greatest challenge in Group C, despite not having qualified for a World Cup in 36 years.

Peru again impressed, as they had in their opening round defeat to Denmark, but couldn’t find a way to unlock a well-organised French defence.

The first clear chance of the match was in the 31st minute with Paolo Guerrero’s shot blocked by Hugo Lloris on his 100th appearance for France.

Guerrero would come to regret the missed opportunity moments later as Mbappe was the beneficiary of a deflected cross, turning home into an empty net after 34 minutes of a tight encounter.

Having picked up their pace in the latter part of the first half, the break seemed to have slowed the tempo for France once more in the opening stage of the second and it was Peru who saw the bulk of the action and had the lion’s share of the chances.

Nonetheless, they were unable to capitalise on those chances with a 1-0 victory, France sealed their passage into the final-16, while Peru – who well deserved a point – saw their tournament end at the group stage.

Despite having secured a place in the final-16 after just two matches and two victories, France looked at best lethargic for the majority of the match. The team has faced much criticism from French press, which seems unlikely to dissipate on the basis of today’s performance.

From a sportsmanship perspective, at times his conduct left something to be desired, but with the only goal of the match, at 19 years of age, Mbappe becomes France's youngest goal scorer in World Cup finals.

France: Lloris 6, Pavard 6, Varane 5, Umtiti 6, Hernandez 5, Kante 7, Pogba 6, Matuidi 6, Mbappe 7, Griezmann 7, Giroud 7. Subs: Nzonzi 5, Dembele 6, Fekir 5.

Peru: Gallese 7, Rodriguez 7, Trauco 6, Cueva 7, Guerrero 7, Ramos 6, Advincula 7, Carrillo 7, Yotun 6, Flores 7, Aquino 7. Subs: Santamaria 6, Farfan 6, Ruidiaz 6.

31’ SHOT! Guerrero is in the six yard box with the ball and he shoots - the first proper chance of the game. Cleared.

34’ GOAL! Mbappe intercepts Olivier Giroud's shot into the box as the keeper chases it down. Just taps it in the open goal. France 1-0 Peru.

61’ SHOT! An extended period of pressure by Peru, pressing forward. Carillo strikes from outside the 18 yard box and it's good - but just a little too high over the bar.

66' Advincula strikes now, from the near corner of the 18 yard box. It's a good effort, but again it's over the bar.

87’ Guerrero takes the free kick from outside the 18 yard box, but it's nowhere near high enough - over the wall and straight into the arms of Lloris.