France secures dominant victory against Sweden
France achieved a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Sweden in the World Cup round of 32, maintaining a perfect record of four wins from four matches. The match, held on a hot afternoon in East Rutherford, saw Kylian Mbappé score twice and Michael Olise deliver an impressive performance with two assists, setting up a last-16 clash with Paraguay.
The French squad showcased strong attacking play and remarkable goals, with their quality becoming more apparent upon reflection. Didier Deschamps‘ men dominated possession and shots on goal against a Swedish side that had qualified for the tournament through the playoffs.
Mbappé matches Messi’s goal tally
Kylian Mbappé‘s two goals in the match brought him level with Lionel Messi in the golden boot race for this World Cup, both having scored six goals. The France captain now has a total of 18 World Cup goals, just one shy of Messi‘s overall record of 19. Mbappé celebrated his first goal by embracing coach Didier Deschamps.
The opening goal came just before half-time. After an effort from Olise was tipped behind by Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, Ousmane Dembelé and Olise combined from the resulting corner. They then found Mbappé, who bent a shot beyond Zetterstrom from inside the box.
Before the first goal, France had already hit the woodwork twice, once through Mbappé and once through Olise. Mbappé also had an earlier effort in the 20th minute disallowed due to a tight offside call.
Olise’s pivotal role in France’s attack
Michael Olise was instrumental throughout the game, delivering a virtuoso performance. He provided the assist for Bradley Barcola‘s goal eight minutes into the second half. The play began with Sweden losing possession, which Aurelién Tchouaméni seized and passed to Olise. Olise then threaded a pass between the Swedish centre-half and full-back, perfectly weighted for Barcola to strike the ball into the net.
Olise continued to be a central figure in the second half, drifting across the forward line, dropping deep, and running beyond, constantly seeking the ball to create danger. He forced a sprawling save from Zetterstrom with an effort from distance. He also contributed to a mesmerising passing triangle with Adrien Rabiot and Jules Koundé on the halfway line.
Olise secured his second assist of the game, and Mbappé his second goal, with 15 minutes remaining. This goal was described as another piece of deft play from Olise, a perfectly timed run from Mbappé, and a repeat finish, curling into the far side of the goal.
Sweden’s efforts and upcoming challenge for France
Sweden, despite their compact and brave defending, struggled to create enough chances against the dominant French side. Their counterattack options, including Anthony Elanga and Viktor Gyökeres, looked to release Alexander Isak, but efforts from Isak were contained by Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba, not troubling goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Elliot Stroud also had a follow-up shot go over the bar after Jules Koundé intercepted a pass to Gyökeres.
France will now face Paraguay in the last 16 on Saturday in Philadelphia. This upcoming match will be a repeat of a World Cup last-16 encounter from 1998, where France secured a 1-0 victory in extra time.
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Source: theguardian.com
