France’s attack has been the standout story of their World Cup, and the numbers back up what has been on display.
Les Bleus have scored 16 times in six games, landing 47 shots on target, their most at a World Cup since 1998, when they hit the target 53 times on their way to winning the trophy. Their average of 7.8 shots on target per game is the highest on record since 1966, according to Opta.
The underlying data is just as emphatic. France have generated 14.3 expected goals in total, at least 1.6 clear of any other side at the tournament, Argentina next best in that category. It is a number built on genuine individual quality throughout the squad.
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Kylian Mbappe leads the way with eight goals, level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot, but his creative numbers are just as impressive, 16 chances created, only three players in the tournament have managed more, alongside three assists.
He has formed a lethal partnership with Ousmane Dembele, the pair combining for 19 chances created for each other, only the fourth pairing since 1966 to reach 20 or more between them at a single World Cup.
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Michael Olise has been the side’s chief creator, leading the tournament with five assists, the first player to reach that mark at a single World Cup since Germany’s Thomas Hassler in 1994, and just one shy of equalling Pele’s all time World Cup assist record.
Even with that level of output, Didier Deschamps has barely needed to turn to his bench, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue have combined for five goal involvements in supporting roles, while Rayan Cherki, Maghnes Akliouche and Marcus Thuram have barely featured at all.
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