Ballon d'Dembélé! Hat-trick vs. Norway shows France's depth

It didn't matter that Norway opted to rest their entire constellation of star players. On Tuesday night, the galaxy of French talent — led by the remarkable Ousmane Dembélé — shone as brightly as ever, dismantling a weakened Norway side 4-1 in a commanding performance that underlined just how deep Didier Deschamps' squad truly is. The result, while expected, was delivered with style and swagger.

Dembélé leads the charge

Ousmane Dembélé has long been a player of immense potential, and against Norway he delivered a performance that matched his billing. The Paris Saint-Germain forward netted a brilliant hat-trick, showcasing his electrifying pace, dribbling and clinical finishing. Each goal highlighted a different aspect of his game: a burst through the defense, a precise curler, and a poacher's finish. It was the kind of display that reminds everyone why he was once considered the future of French football. For a player who has battled injuries and inconsistency, this was a statement performance.

A depleted Norway no match

Norway, having already secured qualification for the tournament, chose to rest their key players — notably Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. The decision was understandable given their packed domestic schedules, but it handed France a straightforward task. Even without their stars, the Norwegian side fought valiantly, but they simply lacked the quality to contain Les Bleus' relentless attack. The 4-1 scoreline was a fair reflection of the gulf in class on the night. Norway will take the result in stride, knowing their full-strength side remains competitive.

France's enviable depth

This victory was never going to be a major test for France, but it served as a reminder of the incredible resources at Deschamps' disposal. With players like Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann on the bench or rested, France still fielded a lineup capable of tearing apart a respectable international side. Dembélé's hat-trick, his first for the national team, adds another weapon to an already fearsome attacking arsenal. The competition for places is fierce, and performances like this only strengthen the squad's overall quality. Les Bleus look like they have multiple X-factors at every position.

What it means going forward

For France, this win is a confidence booster ahead of the knockout stages. Dembélé's form is a timely boost for a team that thrives on individual brilliance. For Norway, the decision to rest stars was pragmatic, but they will need their best players fit and firing to make an impact in the tournament. France, meanwhile, look every bit the title contenders, with depth that few nations can match. If Dembélé can sustain this level, he could be the difference-maker in high-stakes matches.