Dembélé scorer and provider, Deschamps defends him after Iraq display

Ousmane Dembélé delivered his best performance in a major tournament during France’s victory over Iraq, scoring a goal and providing an assist. The Bayern Munich winger, criticized after a flat opening match against Senegal, this time made an impact alongside Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise.

The three men shone together: Mbappé scored another brace, Olise was again decisive with two assists, and Dembélé first set up Mbappé before being found in the box by Olise to open his account in a major international competition.

Didier Deschamps made no secret of his satisfaction, addressing journalists directly in his press conference: “You might perhaps get off his back, find another target.” The manager then nuanced his comments, explaining that Dembélé’s initial difficulties were simply a matter of tactical adaptation. “There’s no issue with Ousmane. He needs to readapt to a system in which he doesn’t play all year. From the moment Ousmane feels good physically, and he does, it’s just adjustments. He’s not someone who doubts either, but it’s important that he did what he did today because he’s a decisive player. It’s very good for him and for the French team.”

Kylian Mbappé also wanted to praise his teammate’s first goal in a major tournament. “It’s important for him to score. We wanted him to score, we wanted to feed him. It will be all good for us to have a player like him, unique and special. We want to help him feel good, whatever his position. He felt good in everything he did tonight, in his touches on the ball… We’re very happy for him.”

Bradley Barcola, started on the left wing ahead of Désiré Doué, was more subdued than his attacking partners and did not significantly impact the match.