It was a frustrating night for Leeds United defender Rasmus Kristensen as France edged Denmark aside on Saturday – and a clip of Kylian Mbappe leaving the Dane on his backside has emerged on Twitter, during France’s 2-1 win.
Kristensen, 25, won his 12th cap for Denmark on Saturday – remaining on the pitch until injury time. But it was Mbappe that stole the show, scoring a brace – either side of Andreas Christensen’s equaliser. Denmark were good, but unlucky.
It was the quality and class of Mbappe that shone through. Kristensen can be happy with his performance given he came up against Mbappe. WhoScored said he was joint-first in tackles with Joachim Maehle, winning five duels.
Three clearances, a block and completing 48 passes. But a clip of Mbappe’s incredible movement has emerged on Twitter, such was the movement and Kristensen’s desire to stick with Mbappe – that it left the Leeds man on the floor.
Clip of Mbappe leaving Leeds defender Kristensen on backside emerges
It was a challenging night for Kristensen but he and his Denmark teammates came close to another World Cup upset. It has been a World Cup of surprises – Saudi Arabia beating Argentina, Japan beating Germany and plenty more.
Had Denmark beaten France, it might not have been such a surprise. That is, given Denmark have beaten France on more than one occasion of late in the Nations League. But it was not to be for Kristensen and his side on Saturday.
Kristensen and Denmark now face a must-win game against Australia. With just one point on the board, They are level with Tunisia and two behind Australia. If they win, they qualify. Failure to do so, and they’re back on the plane.
Kristensen is more than likely to start again. But can he and Denmark do enough to ensure they book their place in the last 16? All eyes on Wednesday, in a game they will be expected to win – but with the added pressure of having to.
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