France survives valiant Peru effort to book last-16 spot

Despite a valiant effort from Peru, France has secured a berth in the World Cup round of 16 with a slim 1-0 victory over La Blanquirroja Thursday.

The result also mathematically eliminates the South Americans from the tournament.

Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal in the 34th minute when he latched onto a deflected attempt by Olivier Giroud for an open-goal tap-in, solidifying the 19-year-old as France's youngest scorer ever at the World Cup.

Peruvian striker Paolo Guerrero had arguably the best opportunity for his side in the 31st minute, but he sent his left-footed strike in France's penalty area straight into 'keeper Hugo Lloris. Lloris also made easy work of a free-kick from Guerrero in the final minutes of Thursday's match.

France will now face Denmark on Tuesday in its final match to determine who will finish first in Group C, while Australia takes on Peru. In order to keep their faint World Cup dreams alive, the Socceroos need to defeat Peru and hope Denmark loses to France to stand a chance at progressing past the group stage.