Kylian Mbappe netted a brilliant brace, and Michael Olise dazzled as France cruised past Sweden 3-0 in Tuesday’s World Cup clash, securing a last-16 showdown with Paraguay.
Mbappe broke the deadlock just before halftime, finishing off a flowing move in front of 80,663 fans at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. France had already struck the woodwork twice—once apiece from Mbappe and Olise—as they dominated a limited Swedish side in both possession and chances.
Olise, in electrifying form, set up PSG’s Bradley Barcola for France’s second goal in the 53rd minute, then delivered a sublime assist for Mbappe to seal a commanding victory. Mbappe’s double drew him level with Lionel Messi on six goals in the Golden Boot race and took his career World Cup tally to 18, just one shy of Messi’s all-time record.
After scoring his first, Mbappe ran to embrace coach Didier Deschamps, who returned after missing France’s final group match to attend his mother’s funeral. Deschamps, who will step down after 14 years at the helm, avoided a premature farewell and now eyes another deep run, having won the World Cup as a player in 1998 and coach in 2018.
France’s last-16 meeting with Paraguay in Philadelphia recalls their 1-0 extra-time win over the South Americans in 1998, en route to their first World Cup triumph. Les Bleus are favored to advance again, with their attacking stars in top form.
Olise, Mbappe, and Ousmane Dembele were all influential, while Barcola got the nod over Desire Doue. Sweden, despite boasting Premier League talents Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak, and Anthony Elanga, struggled to create chances and are now eliminated.
An early offside ruled out an Mbappe finish, but it unleashed a wave of French pressure. Mbappe rattled the post, Adrien Rabiot went close, and Olise nearly scored with a stunning bicycle kick. The breakthrough finally came on the stroke of halftime, with Mbappe converting after Olise and Dembele combined at a corner.
Sweden regrouped at the break but conceded again eight minutes into the second half, as Olise threaded a pass through Gustaf Lagerbielke’s legs for Barcola to smash home. Olise later set up Mbappe for France’s third, a cool finish in the 74th minute.
France look unstoppable, though sterner tests may await. For now, Paraguay must find a way to contain the tournament’s most electrifying attack.
