Benzema, Mbappe Silenced As Denmark Stuns Defending Champions France In Nations League Match.

 Denmark got off to a fast start at the Stade de France, a stadium which just hosted the dramatic Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Denmark almost opened the scoring five minutes into game when Joakim Maehle hit the post after Kasper Dolberg snuck past the home defense inside the penalty area.

The defending champions fear propelled them to action, if not cruelty. In a first half marked by the visitors' intense press and preparedness to shut down space, cutting off the supply line for last season's Ligue 1 top scorer Kylian Mbappe and strike partner Karim Benzema.

France lost both Paris St-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane to injury.

The French boss Didier Deschamps missed the game following the death of his father during the week.

After appearing to pick up a knock shortly before the interval, Mbappé did not return for the second half, and his replacement, Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, produced the moment of brilliance France required to break down Denmark's defense.

Benzema received a pass on the right and found the Nkunku inside the penalty area, where his improvised return ball allowed the Real Madrid top scorer to confuse his opponents with a superb touch before putting a low finish past Kasper Schmeichel from close range.

That magnificent goal in the 51st minute gave France the lead for a brief moment, only for Denmark's tenacious pursuit in enemy territory to pay off once more.

 

Denmark 60th minute substitute Andreas Cornelius scored twice as they came from behind to beat holders France in their home ground.

Pierre-Emile Hjbjerg made the most of his opportunity, turning to send an attractive cross into Andreas Cornelius' path, who had plenty of room to choose his place an level the scoreb in the 68th minute.

The 29-year-old Trabzonspor striker Cornelius later scored the stunning winner sending a thundering shot past Hugo Lloris in the 88th minute.

Denmark coach, Kasper Hjulmand further gave reasons fir his team victory over France in Paris, claiming that his players had the upper hand in the midfield against the host.

Speaking during his post-match press conference, Hjulmand said: “We are, above all, very happy and very proud of this fantastic performance here in Paris, and all the credit goes to the players.

“People will celebrate this victory in the streets in Denmark, and we are happy to be able to make the country happy. It’s a very big victory. We’d prepared for this match for a long time.

“We wanted to have the upper hand in midfield and not give up space to the French behind us. We had to change the game system and it’s great to see the players able to adapt.”

Denmark will now face Austria in their next game on Monday.