France Moves To World Cup 2018 Last 16, Peru Bows Out Of Competition

Kylian Mbappe proved that age is just a number as France beat Peru 1-0 on Thursday's World Cup match in Russia.

The 19-year-old Mbappe became the youngest booter to score in a World Cup following a 34th-minute goal that gave the Les Bleus the victory against Peru. Mbappe is also the country's youngest player to ever compete in a major tournament. With the victory, France punched its ticket into the Round of 16 to join Uruguay and Russia.

Mbappe also eclipsed David Trezeguet as France's youngest goalscorer in the World Cup at the age of 19 years and 183 days. Trezeguet scored against Saudi Arabia in the 1998 World Cup. Interestingly, the Les Bleus also won the World Cup that year.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker couldn't help but be elated with his performance against Peru, citing that playing in the World Cup has been a dream of his. It also marked Mbappe's fifth international goal for France.

"I was very happy. I have always said the World Cup was a dream for any player. I hope to have more moments like this," Mbappe said.

Stellar World Cup For Paul Pogba

However, the goal of Mbappe wouldn't be possible without the impeccable pass of Paul Pogba who stole the ball from Peruvian booter Paolo Guerrero near the penalty box. Striker Olivier Giroud caught Pogba's pass but his shot was denied by Guerrero. Luckily, Mbappe was in the right place at the right time as he tapped in the goal to give the Les Bleus a 1-0 lead.

Pogba has been nothing short of superb for the Les Bleus by creating numerous scoring opportunities for its offensive players. While he has yet to score a single goal in the competition, Pogba was responsible for the three goals of France in this year's World Cup. Earlier in the tournament, the Frenchmen beat Australia 2-1.

Peru tried to answer back but all of their attempts were foiled by versatile French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris who also made a history of his own. Lloris appeared in his 100th international game for France.

With the loss, Peru's World Cup campaign in Russia came to a heartbreaking end. Peru made its first World Cup this year for the first time since 1982.

The Peruvians have yet to win a single match in the World Cup since 1978. Peru will look to close out its campaign on a strong note when it battles Australia next week.

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