Kylian Mbappe fired unconvincing France into the World Cup knockout stages after a nervy 1-0 win over plucky Peru.
The Paris St Germain forward scored his first goal in Russia to give Didier Deschamps' side victory at the Central Stadium in Yekaterinburg.
Pedro Aquino hit the post for lively Peru, who are still waiting for their first World Cup win since 1978, and the South American side can no longer qualify from Group C.
France are top of the group after the second round of matches, two points ahead of Denmark and five in front of third-placed Australia, meaning they will now progress.
They face Denmark in their final game to determine who will top the group, while the Danes need just a point to progress. France are into their last 16 with a game to spare thanks to Mbappe’s first-half goal. Peru are out. Like Morocco, the South American were brilliant in attack until they got to the opposing box. Their play was entertaining and their fans were beautiful but all they can do now in this tournament is kill off Australia’s hopes of pipping Denmark to the next round. France, meanwhile, do not exactly march on: their progress is more of a Fartlek affair, spells of intense brilliance blended with slow meandering. For all their talent, they were at their most effective when banging long balls up to Giroud. It’s hard to know how far they’ll go.
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