In the very simplest of terms, Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity says that time is a flexible concept, which slows down when closer to objects with a strong gravitational pull.
At this World Cup so far, France has commanded time and space.
And in a 4-1 win over an understrength Norway, Ousmane Dembélé turned the first 32 minutes into a brilliant, breathless eternity, as he scored the second fastest hat-trick in tournament history.
Dembélé the headline act
Kylian Mbappé, 27, has been the focal point of this team in North America, the captain already with four goals here, and 16 in total, only two behind 39-year-old Lionel Messi on the all-time leaderboard.
But against Norway, he was relegated to second billing, not hard to do in a French team supersized with world class talent, the envy of most other nations.
On this occasion, it was the reigning Ballon d’Or winner and PSG winger Dembélé who superseded his captain, and suspended time with his three goals.
First, the obvious concession, Norway made 10 changes to the side, including resting Erling Haaland, giving Les Bleus overwhelming favouritism in the clash to decide the group leader.
And somewhat anti-climactic for the very strong showing of Norwegian supporters hoping to see their Viking leader.
Erling Haaland watched Norway’s loss from the sidelines. (Getty Images: Maddie Meyer )
“The break that we had from the last game to this game was the shortest of any team. So it’s a no-brainer,” coach Ståle Solbakken said.
“The fans around Norway and also in the arena would have liked to see Erling. But that is not really the issue. We want to proceed as long as we can in the tournament.”
ITV pundit Roy Keane highlighted the team’s varied prospects.
“Remember [Norway] isn’t used to tournament football yet and it’s two teams with different expectations. The French are expected to compete to win the World Cup,” he said.
And those expectations will continue to rise after the Dembélé show, even against inferior opposition, and especially considering Les Bleus have not even reached their ceiling yet.
Dembélé’s goals were defined by patience, positioning, and sublime finishing.
Dembélé possibly pondering the theory of relativity. (Getty Images: Simon Stacpoole)
He toyed with Norway’s defenders, taking time to find the better angle, to dance and jig and confound, until he was ready to unleash and bury the ball in the back of the net.
“It is a unique moment, but the most important was to finish [in the group],” Dembélé said.
It was a credit to this French side too, where stars like Mbappé and Michael Olise were willing support acts, especially the former who has been criticised for perceived ego and arrogance.
Fox Sports USA pundit Zlatan Ibrahimovic countered criticisms of France after their first game.
“Ignorant people will say it’s arrogance, intelligent people will say it’s confidence,” he said.
And that confidence oozed from every outlet, even outside of Dembélé’s finishes.
There was Mbappé who, as he was being pulled back by a defender, off-balance still managed a beautiful through ball to Dembélé to help set up the second.
And Olise’s telepathy, with his flawless no look passes delivered to teammates on a platter.
Les Bleus are steamrolling towards another title, though much more will be learned once the tougher tests arrive.
Tempered euphoria
There are areas for the French to address, namely their defence, particularly the moment which led to Norway’s goal.
After Dembélé’s second they were caught out of position on the restart, a bit too relaxed and switched off, and Norway took advantage, as Thelo Aasgaard scored.
The Norwegians also missed a second half penalty, and while always likely to lose with the team they ended up fielding, they hung on as best as they could for portions of the match.
Unsurprisingly, many French fans were getting carried away outside the stadium after the game.
More surprisingly, there were just as many not riding on a euphoric wave, but pensive, reflective, understanding winning the group with ease does not translate to a free run to the trophy.
The players will understand that too, and will need to continue sharing the glory with their glittering constellation.
