Kylian Mbappe helped book France’s place in the World Cup round of 16 by taking his tournament total to six goals in a slick 3-0 victory over Sweden.
France’s procession through the group stages looked ominous for their rivals, with Mbappe starring in a show that contained a support cast just as entertaining. In New Jersey, Michael Olise proved to be the outstanding sidekick.
Such momentum was impossible to contain for a Sweden side that had blown hot and cold before and during this tournament, unable to meet the standard required to cause the favourites any genuine problems. They managed just two efforts on target in a horribly one-sided tie.
With Didier Deschamps reinstated on the touchline following the passing of his mother, Mbappe rose highest to the elevated occasion, scoring either side of the break in a performance dripping with class.
Michael Olise set up Bradley Barcola to score France’s second
He sliced through Sweden’s deficient defence to beat Jacob Zetterstrom for the opener in the first half, and linked with Olise to score France’s third late on, finishing off the move with a curling far-post finish off the left – reminiscent of the great Thierry Henry.
In between, Olise teed up Bradley Barcola, rumoured to be the subject of Arsenal’s affections this summer, and he lashed into the top corner to cap a display of devastating ruthlessness.
Mbappe took his tournament total to six in the second half – level with Lionel Messi
Mbappe moves one behind Lionel Messi on the all-time list of World Cup scorers, tying with the Argentina star in the race for the Golden Boot at this year’s tournament. Paraguay, the surprise package, await in the next round in Philadelphia on Saturday.
On evidence, they will need something special to stop this very talented group galloping into the quarter-finals. It’s impossible to overlook France as the team to beat.
Emphatic France set the standard
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville on ITV Sport:
“Everything France do is emphatic. It’s brilliant to watch – and it’s the best performance so far in the tournament.
“There’s a long way to go, but you’re looking at them now thinking ‘you’ll let yourselves down if you don’t win this’. They are so far ahead of every other team in terms of level.”
The key moments from New York New Jersey…
3: Alexander Isak fires an early warning with snapshot from distance after good work from Viktor Gyokeres.
15: Lucas Digne has a go from range, before Mbappe lands his first effort of four on target.
20: Mbappe sends warning after converting Olise’s through ball, only to be flagged offside.
32: POST! Mbappe strikes the woodwork. Olise tries an acrobatic overhead in the next phase.
45: GOAL! Mbappe breaks deadlock with deft finish from Dembele pass.
53: GOAL! Barcola is released by a cutting Olise pass to score France’s second.
74: GOAL! Mbappe caps a masterful performance by shaping a perfect bending strike into the far corner.
France match unique style with substance
Kylian Mbappe celebrated with manager Didier Deschamps as the France boss returned to the dugout on Tuesday
Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe have now combined for six goals at this World Cup. But the connection between France’s leading marksman and Michael Olise is just as eye-catching.
Mbappe created the joint-most chances and completed the most dribbles. Then it was the turn of Olise to deliver the most shots and generate the most touches. Together they were unstoppable.
France’s entire front four, in fact, were on a level far greater than should even be fair. No opposition side can match this genius. Sweden were mobbed. The scoreline, dominant but not devastating, actually flattered them. France delivered the sort of performance that gets better with age, every replay a reminder of the brilliance of it all.
It’s difficult to recall a tournament with such forthright favourites at this relatively early stage. But no doubt France are fearsome and have no obvious weakness. Who could possibly challenge them?
Mbappe sends message of support to Deschamps
France captain Kylian Mbappe:
“I’m fully aware of what’s at stake, where I am and what I have to do. The team knows what it has to do here as well.
“A new competition was starting. We played well today, even though we had a difficult start.
“We’re all in this together. The coach has gone through something that, unfortunately, everyone experiences at some point in life. It’s incredibly difficult. He’ll never be alone with us. We’ll support him.”
