His cross for Adrien Rabiot’s threatening header midway through the first half, after a brilliant counter-attack, was just one of Dembele’s many brilliant moves to choose from in the match.
Another came in the 38th minute, when Dembele stole the ball from his direct opponent Mahele near his own area, who ended the first half possibly feeling dizzy.
In 2018, Dembele lost his place in the starting XI after a poor performance in the first game of the group stage.
“In 2018, I was going through tough years,” he said this week, admitting he now has a healthier lifestyle.
“Well it’s not like I was going crazy, but I see myself more now. Now I’ve been a year and a half without injury. I’m 25 and more mature in my game.”
Dembele was the first to bring the threat with another dazzling run in the second half before setting up Mbappe for a potential opener with a silky pass from the penalty spot.
He then faded, tiring, leaving Mbappe to finish the job with an 86th-minute winner after his opener just over an hour before Andreas Christensen equalized for the Danes.
Dembele is likely to be on the bench in Les Bleus’ final group game against Tunisia on Wednesday, getting a well-deserved rest ahead of the knockout stage where he will undoubtedly again attract attention.
