France coach Didier Deschamps has hailed Kylian Mbappe after the Paris Saint-Germain forward scored the winner in Thursday's 1-0 victory over Peru in the World Cup.

The 19-year-old became France's youngest scorer at a World Cup when he rifled into an empty net on 34 minutes, the goal helping Les Bleus reach the last 16 of the tournament.

Mbappe also tracked back to provide extra cover in a tough second half as Los Incas attacked relentlessly in search of an equaliser, ultimately helping France keep a clean sheet.

"He's got great qualities and he was able to show his pace today," Deschamps told reporters after the game in Ekaterinburg.

"I don't think he sacrificed himself by defending. He just did what the team needed him to do. I'm very happy with his performance today.

"The attackers made an effort to make the team compact, working to recover the ball. With the quality showed by the Peruvian team, it was important to have a tight defence."

Victory leaves France on top of Group C with six points.

Written by
Giuseppe Labellarte