France secure top spot without Tolisso

France sealed first place in Group C after an unexciting 0-0 draw against Denmark in Moscow. Having won their first two games, the draw was enough for Les Bleus to go through to the last 16 as group winners ahead of their opponents.

Bayern midfielder Corentin Tolisso was rested for the match and watched on from the bench as his teammates struggled against the well-organised Danes. The only time Didier Deschamps’ side threatened the goal was from long range. Denmark, whose place in the last 16 was never in doubt thanks to Peru’s 2-0 win over Australia in the other match, didn’t offer much in attack either. Thus the first goalless draw of the World Cup in Russia looked almost inevitable.

The Équipe Tricolore now have just four days to prepare for their last 16 fixture on Saturday 30 June (16:00 CEST). The French will contest the first knockout game of the tournament against the second-placed team from Group D – which could be any one of Croatia, Nigeria, Iceland or Argentina.