France reached the round of 16 of the World Cup with a comfortable victory over Sweden, in a game that rarely looked in doubt once Les Bleus took control.
Sweden sit deep
Sweden started with a strong forward line of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres and Anthony Elanga, but chose to defend deep, give France the ball and look for chances on the counter-attack.
Didier Deschamps fielded an attack of Bradley Barcola, Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, with Michael Olise drifting into midfield to link the play — and with plenty more talent waiting on the bench.
Barcola breaks through
Olise was the most dangerous player early on, hitting the post and forcing the Swedish goalkeeper into saves. The breakthrough came from Barcola, who picked up the ball, drove towards the area and finished high into the net.
Mbappé then added a second, pouncing on a loose ball after a scramble from a corner. The goal was initially flagged for offside, but the replays showed he was level, and it stood.
Sweden’s best chance came shortly before half-time, but they managed very little in front of goal all afternoon.
Complete control after the break
In the second half France pushed their full-backs higher up the pitch, giving Mbappé more space. Adrien Rabiot tested the goalkeeper, and Jules Koundé provided the assist for Mbappé’s second goal. Olise’s movement and link-up play with Barcola continued to cause problems, and Sweden never found a way back into the game.
What it means
France go through to the round of 16 looking like one of the strongest sides in the tournament, with depth in attack that few teams can match. Sweden, who qualified with high hopes thanks to their attacking stars, go home after being comprehensively outplayed.
