France delivered a commanding performance against Sweden in the World Cup, securing a 3-0 victory. The match, held in East Rutherford, New Jersey, saw Kylian Mbappé score twice, contributing significantly to France’s progression in the tournament. This result led to Sweden’s elimination from the competition.
The encounter began with Sweden demonstrating a competitive spirit and a clear game plan, particularly in their counter-attacking efforts. Players like Anthony Elanga and Viktor Gyökeres aimed to link up with Alexander Isak, the Liverpool striker, who had two early shots on goal within the first 25 minutes. However, the defensive efforts of Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba ensured that neither attempt troubled French goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Despite Sweden’s compact and brave defending, France gradually asserted their dominance. For a period, France’s intricate approach play struggled to break through the Swedish defence, leading Mbappé to attempt long-range shots out of apparent frustration. The turning point seemed to come after a powerful drive from Adrian Rabiot, which Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström managed to turn around the post with his feet.
French attacking prowess shines
Following Rabiot’s effort, France intensified their attack, creating a series of opportunities. Mbappé had a shot go over the bar and another hit the post from close range. Michael Olise then attempted a scissor kick, which also struck Zetterström’s right post, with Ousmane Dembelé‘s follow-up going over. Olise later had a shot from approximately 20 yards saved by Zetterström, leading to a corner.
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute from this corner. Dembelé played it short to Olise, who returned the pass. Dembelé then quickly moved the ball to Mbappé, who was positioned inside the box on the right side, about six yards from goal. Despite the challenging angle and numerous defenders, Mbappé skillfully bent a shot past Zetterström, giving France the lead just before half-time.
Sweden had one more chance before the break, with Elanga reaching the byline and delivering a pass. However, Jules Koundé intercepted the ball before Gyökeres could reach it, and Elliot Stroud‘s subsequent shot went over the bar.
Second-half dominance seals victory
France extended their lead eight minutes into the second half. The move originated from Sweden losing possession after initially shutting down a French passing sequence. Aurélien Tchouaméni seized the ball and passed it to Olise. Olise then delivered a precise pass between a Swedish centre-half and full-back, perfectly weighted for the run of Bradley Barcola. Barcola advanced into the box and struck the ball into the roof of the net, doubling France’s advantage.
Olise continued to be a central figure in France’s attacking play during the second half. He moved across the forward line, dropped deep, and made runs beyond defenders, consistently seeking possession to influence the game and create danger. Around the hour mark, he had another shot from over 20 yards that required a sprawling save from Zetterström. His mesmerising passing triangle with Rabiot and Koundé on the halfway line, involving various touches and spins, further highlighted his impact.
With 15 minutes remaining, Olise provided his second assist of the match, leading to Mbappé’s second goal. This intricate play, described as achingly beautiful, involved another deft pass from Olise and a perfectly timed run from Mbappé, who finished by curling the ball into the far side of the goal. Mbappé’s clinical finish on the stroke of half-time had initially put France ahead, and his second goal confirmed Sweden’s elimination from the tournament.
France’s comprehensive victory means they will now face Paraguay in the last 16 of the competition.
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Source: theguardian.com
As NewsGB.org's Sports News Writer, Theo Marsden reports on rugby union, golf and boxing for readers across the country. He began on a regional sports desk in Yorkshire. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Hull and completed an NCTJ diploma. Theo lives in Hull, where he follows the European Tour and amateur rugby. “Sport moves fast; readers deserve it right the first time.”