2018 World Cup
Result: France 1-0 Peru
Date: 21 June 2018
Venue: Ekaterinburg Arena
Kylian Mbappe became France's youngest ever goalscorer at a World Cup as his solitary strike secured a 1-0 win over Peru and a spot in the round of 16.
France coach Didier Deschamps opted for two changes from the win over Australia as Olivier Giroud and Blaise Matuidi replaced Ousmane Dembele and Corentin Tolisso in the starting XI.
The South Americans enjoyed a bright start to the encounter, although they struggled to carve out any clear-cut openings.
Les Bleus eventually took control of the game and went close to scoring through the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Raphael Varane in quick succession.
France's dominance paid off in the 34th minute as Giroud's shot deflected into the path of Mbappe, who made no mistake from point-blank range.
Deschamps' men pushed for another goal in the closing stages and they were nearly rewarded two minutes before the break but goalkeeper Pedro Gallese did well to keep out Luca Hernandez's stinging effort.
Peru nearly restored matters five minutes into the second half, with Pedro Aquino rattling the post with a powerful strike from distance.
The South Americans looked lively in the second half but they were often let down by their decision-making in the final third.
With Peru pushing for an equaliser, Deschamps opted for a change with 15 minuets remaining as Mbappe made way for Dembele.
Ricardo Gareca's men threw numbers forward in search of an equaliser, although the France defence, led by Varane, remained solid.
In the end, France managed to see out the closing stages to claim the win, which sees them move top of Group A and guaranteed a place in the first knockout rounds with a Group D match to spare.
Peru, meanwhile, have been eliminated, while Denmark and Australia remain in contention for a Last 16 spot.
