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France triumph over Ukraine but Dembele injury casts shadow as Ekitike debuts

France opened their World Cup qualifying campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Ukraine, but the evening in Wrocław carried an ominous subplot as Ousmane Dembélé limped off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. The Paris Saint-Germain winger, widely regarded as a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or after a stellar 2024 season, was forced off just minutes after entering as a substitute, leaving both Didier Deschamps and PSG facing anxious days ahead.

The match itself began brightly for Les Bleus. PSG’s Bradley Barcola, electric down the left flank, orchestrated the opener in the 10th minute with a precise cut-back to Michael Olise. The Bayern Munich forward, thriving since his summer move from Crystal Palace, calmly slotted home to net his second goal in as many international appearances. Moments later, Olise nearly doubled the lead with a powerful low strike, only for Ukrainian keeper Anatoliy Trubin to produce a remarkable fingertip save.

Ukraine, backed by a raucous crowd, offered little threat in the opening half, with striker Artem Dovbyk starved of service and repeatedly swallowed up by Ibrahima Konaté and Dayot Upamecano at the heart of France’s defence. Yet the second half offered a brief window of hope for the hosts. Konaté was forced into a goal-line clearance, and minutes later Illia Zabarnyi’s header crashed against the post — their closest chance of the evening.

That scare jolted France into action, and once again Kylian Mbappé delivered. With 15 minutes remaining, the captain surged past Zabarnyi and rifled home his 51st international goal, sealing victory and reminding the world why he remains France’s talisman.

The night also brought a new chapter for Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike, who came on to make his senior international debut, symbolizing the continued depth of France’s attacking options.

Yet all eyes will linger on Dembélé’s condition. The 27-year-old has already endured a career riddled with muscular setbacks, and his early exit — bypassing the bench to head straight down the tunnel — will concern both Deschamps and PSG manager Luis Enrique.

France, unbeaten in their last 12 competitive matches, now turn their attention to Iceland in Paris on September 9, eager to consolidate their path toward the 2026 World Cup.

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