France defeated Panama 2-0 with goals on either side of half-time in what was a comfortable victory in Bydgoszcz to confirm their place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019 Round of 16.
Les Bleuets never really had to get out of first gear against a Panama side that gave up possession time and again. Jorge Mendez did give France goalkeeper Alban Lafont something to think about when he attempted an ambitious, long-range effort in the first half, the ball whizzing just over the Fiorentina No1's crossbar.
Chances were few and far between in the first half, so it was no surprise that a set piece was the source of the opening goal. France captain Dan Zagadou broke free to flick in a shot from close range from Michael Cuisance's corner kick.
Cuisance went from provider to goalscorer after the break. The Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder capitalised on Panama's lackadaisical execution on a free-kick and exchanged passes with Moussa Diaby before tapping in past Marcos Allen.
World Cups are always about seizing goalscoring opportunities when they come and, unfortunately for Panama, substitute Angel Orelien was wasteful in front of goal, skying an effort over the bar when he had broken free one-on-one with Lafont.
Group leaders France will enter their final group stage match with Mali having already secured their ticket to the next round having scored four goals and conceded none so far at Poland 2019.
Next up (Friday)
Saudi Arabia-Panama (18:00 local time) Mali-France (18:00 local time)