Jørgen Strand Larsen endured the most punishing moment of his World Cup so far as Norway were beaten 4-1 by France in their final Group I match.
The Crystal Palace forward had the chance to drag Norway back into the contest early in the second half after Theo Hernández fouled Oscar Bobb inside the box. Instead, Strand Larsen’s penalty was saved by Mike Maignan, leaving France in control after Ousmane Dembélé’s rapid first-half hat-trick.
Jørgen Strand Larsen’s penalty kick is saved by Mike Maignan
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Strand Larsen Faces Palace Test After France Blow
For Palace, the frustration is balanced by a wider tournament picture. Norway are still expected to progress as Group I runners-up, meaning Strand Larsen should quickly have another chance to answer a difficult individual night.
The game also carried a second Palace thread, with Maxence Lacroix starting in France’s defence as Les Bleus finished the group stage with three wins from three. Palace had already framed Strand Larsen’s World Cup as a major summer marker after his January move and European trophy-winning start in south London.
That is why this miss matters beyond one kick. Pierre Sage will want a centre-forward with the authority to absorb a public setback, especially as Palace prepare for Premier League and European demands next season.
Strand Larsen’s response now becomes the real story. A knockout-round goal would change the mood instantly.
Source: The Guardian, Boston.com
