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. Sweden’s involvement in the competition concluded with this defeat.
The first half presented an intriguing contest, with Sweden demonstrating a clear game plan and an intent to compete. Their strategy involved counterattacks, utilising players such as Anthony Elanga and Viktor Gyökeres, who aimed to link up with Alexander Isak. Isak, a Liverpool striker, had two attempts on goal within the initial 25 minutes, but these were effectively neutralised by the close marking of French defenders Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba, ensuring goalkeeper Mike Maignan remained untroubled.
Despite Sweden’s compact and resilient defending, France eventually found their rhythm. Initially, their intricate approach play struggled to break down the Swedish defence, leading Mbappé to attempt long-range shots out of frustration. The turning point appeared to be a powerful drive from Adrian Rabiot, which Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström managed to push around the post.
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. In the 35th minute, Michael Olise executed a scissor kick that also struck Zetterström’s right post, with Ousmane Dembelé‘s follow-up shot going high. Olise then had another attempt from approximately 20 yards, forcing a full-stretch save from Zetterström for a corner.
The breakthrough came from the resulting corner. Dembelé played a short pass to Olise, who returned it. Dembelé then quickly passed to Mbappé, positioned inside the box on the right, about six yards from goal. Despite a challenging angle and multiple defenders, Mbappé skillfully maneuvered past Gyökeres and bent a shot past Zetterström, putting France ahead before half-time.
Before the break, Sweden managed to penetrate the French defence, with Elanga reaching the byline. He delivered a pass, but Jules Koundé intercepted before Gyökeres, 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 perfectly weighted pass between the Swedish centre-half and full-back, allowing Bradley Barcola to run into the box and powerfully strike the ball into the net.
Olise was a central figure in France’s second-half performance, moving across the forward line, dropping deep, and making runs to influence play and create danger. Around the hour mark, he had another shot from over 20 yards that required a sprawling save from Zetterström. His impressive display also included a mesmerising passing triangle with Rabiot and Koundé on the halfway line, lasting for a minute and showcasing varied passing techniques.
With 15 minutes remaining, Olise provided his second assist of the match, leading to Mbappé’s second goal. This intricate play involved another precise pass from Olise and a well-timed run from Mbappé, who curled his finish into the far side of the goal. This goal confirmed Sweden’s elimination from the tournament. Isak played for 89 minutes in the Round of 32 clash. France will now advance to face Paraguay in the last 16.
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Source: theguardian.com
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Joel Kavanagh is a Sports News Writer at News-GB. He started on a Midlands sports desk. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from De Montfort University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Leicester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight calendar. “In sport news, the first ten minutes decide everything.”