Mbappe and Olise Star as Dominant France Sweep Sweden Aside to Set Up Paraguay Tie
Kylian Mbappé delivered a masterclass as France comfortably booked their place in the World Cup round of 16, sweeping aside Sweden with a slick 3-0 victory in New Jersey. Returning to the touchline following the passing of his mother, Didier Deschamps watched his side put on an emphatic display that cements their status as the absolute team to beat in this tournament.
Mbappé was the undisputed star of the show. He sliced through a deficient Swedish defense to open the scoring in the first half. Later in the match, he linked up brilliantly with Michael Olise to curl in a beautiful far-post finish reminiscent of Thierry Henry, marking France’s third goal of the game. The brace takes Mbappé’s tournament total to six goals, putting him level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot and just one behind the Argentine on the all-time World Cup scorers list.
The supporting cast was equally devastating. Michael Olise proved to be an outstanding sidekick throughout the tie. In addition to assisting Mbappé’s second goal, Olise perfectly teed up Bradley Barcola, who lashed a ruthless strike into the top corner in the 53rd minute. Sweden, having blown hot and cold previously, were completely overwhelmed by France’s momentum, managing only two shots on target in what was a horribly one-sided affair.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was full of praise for Les Bleus, declaring it the best performance of the tournament so far and noting that France look a level above every other team.
Key moments from the commanding victory
1) Kylian Mbappé opens the scoring and later adds a spectacular curling effort
2) Bradley Barcola caps off a ruthless move set up by Michael Olise in the 53rd minute
3) Mbappé ties Lionel Messi in the current Golden Boot race with six goals
4) France advance to face surprise package Paraguay in the round of 16 in Philadelphia
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