Dominant performance in East Rutherford
France secured a decisive 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 warm afternoon in East Rutherford, saw France’s attacking play and goal quality on full display, particularly in the second half. The team’s performance has led to a sense that there is more to come from Didier Deschamps‘ squad.
Early in the game, Sweden presented a competitive challenge with a clear game plan, focusing on counterattacks. Players like Anthony Elanga and Viktor Gyökeres aimed to link up with Alexander Isak, who had two shots on goal within the first 25 minutes. However, strong defending from Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba prevented these efforts from troubling goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Sweden’s defence remained compact and resilient, making it difficult for France to break through initially.
For a period, France struggled to convert their deft approach play into clear opportunities, with Kylian Mbappé resorting to long-range shots out of apparent frustration. The turning point seemed to come after a forceful drive from Adrian Rabiot, which Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström managed to turn around the post. Following this, France intensified their pressure, creating a succession of chances.
Mbappé and Barcola find the net
France’s persistent efforts eventually paid off. After hitting the post twice, once through Mbappé and once through Michael Olise, the deadlock was broken just before half-time. Following an Olise effort that was tipped behind by Zetterström, Ousmane Dembelé and Olise combined from the resulting corner. Dembelé played it short to Olise, who returned the pass, then quickly moved it to Mbappé just inside the box. Despite a difficult angle and numerous defenders, Mbappé bent a shot past Zetterström, giving France the lead.
Eight minutes into the second half, France doubled their lead. After Sweden briefly gained possession, Aurelién Tchouaméni seized the ball and passed it to Olise. Olise then delivered a precise pass between the Swedish centre-half and full-back, perfectly weighted for the run of Bradley Barcola, who entered the box and powerfully struck the ball into the net. Olise was a central figure throughout the second half, constantly seeking the ball and creating danger.
Olise continued his influential performance, making a sprawling save from Zetterström necessary after another shot from over 20 yards. He also showcased mesmerising passing alongside Rabiot and Jules Koundé on the halfway line. With 15 minutes remaining, Olise secured his second assist of the game, setting up Mbappé for his second goal. Mbappé curled the ball into the far side of the goal, completing a convincing victory for France.
Golden Boot race and upcoming fixture
Mbappé’s two goals in the match brought his total to six for this World Cup, drawing him level with Lionel Messi in the golden boot race. The France captain now has 18 World Cup goals in total, placing him just one goal behind Messi’s overall record of 19. Mbappé, at 27 years old, continues to pursue this significant milestone.
The French team’s dominance was evident in their control of possession and shots on goal against a Swedish side that ultimately struggled to create enough chances. Sweden’s attack, featuring Premier League players like Gyökeres, Isak, and Elanga, could not overcome France’s strong performance. Despite reaching this stage via playoffs, Sweden now exits the tournament.
France will now advance to the last 16, where they are scheduled to face Paraguay. This upcoming match will take place on Saturday in Philadelphia. Deschamps, who is set to step down at the end of the competition after 14 years, will lead his team into this next challenge, aiming to continue their strong run in the tournament.
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Source: theguardian.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter