For all the hype and buildup that came before it, Friday's blockbuster game between France and Norway proved to be nothing more than a formality, as the Nordic side seemed to have come into the game with no intention of winning it.
Ståle Solbakken rotated his squad completely, with Fredrik Aursnes the only player to retain his place in the starting eleven from the game against Senegal.
A second-string Norwegian side was no match for the French, who put four past them, including a first-half hat-trick from Ousmane Dembele.
Thelo Aasgaard did manage to grab one back for Solbakken's men; however, it mattered little in the end as they finished second in the group and will now face Côte d'Ivoire in the round of 32.
Bobb and Aasgaard shine
On what was an otherwise forgettable afternoon for Norway, two players stood out and made a case to be among the starting eleven going forward.
The team that usually relies on players like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard for inspiration found its creative flair through Oscar Bobb and Aasgaard.
The Fulham winger put on an impressive display on the right flank and proved to be a handful for Theo Hernández to deal with.
It was his dribble into the French 18-yard box that led to a penalty for Norway after his close control proved too quick for Hernández, resulting in a late challenge from the left-back.Embed from Getty Images
In midfield, Aasgaard was equally influential, stringing passes together and even grabbing his side's only goal of the game, an excellent finish into the bottom corner that wrongfooted Mike Maignan.
The goal was the 24-year-old's sixth in nine appearances for Norway, a solid return for a midfielder who has proved he can be trusted in the centre of the park.
Selection dilemma for Solbakken
The performances of Bobb and Aasgaard have definitely given manager Ståle Solbakken something to think about.
The Norway coach currently prefers Alexander Sørloth at the right-wing position, with the Atletico Madrid striker providing a commanding physical presence and an aerial threat during set-pieces.
As for Aasgaard, he would have to unseat Aursnes or Sander Berge from their midfield berth, which is easier said than done, as both midfielders have been crucial to the Nordic side's success in their group stage victories.
Whether Solbakken makes any changes to his winning formula, only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: it is a good problem for Norway to have.
