France advances to last 16

France secured their place in the World Cup round of 16 after a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden. The match, held in New Jersey, saw goals from Kylian Mbappe, who scored twice, and Bradley Barcola. This win sets up a clash with Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday, 4 July.

The team’s performance against Sweden was marked by a strong display of unity and skill. Mbappe‘s opening goal was followed by a moment of solidarity as he ran to embrace coach Didier Deschamps, who had recently returned from attending his mother’s funeral. This emotional reunion was joined by the rest of the team, highlighting a strong collective spirit.

Deschamps acknowledged the team’s unity, stating that while team spirit alone does not guarantee wins, its absence can lead to losses. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni echoed this sentiment, noting the team’s effort to support their coach during a difficult time. This collective strength was evident as France delivered a performance that left many observers impressed.

Dominant performances and key players

Kylian Mbappe was a central figure in France‘s victory, scoring his fifth and sixth goals of the tournament. His performance brought him level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. Mbappe‘s overall World Cup goal tally now stands at 18, placing him one goal behind Messi for the all-time record in the competition.

Another standout player was Michael Olise, who provided two assists in the match, bringing his tournament total to five. This makes him the first player since 1994 to achieve five or more assists in a single World Cup. Olise‘s contributions were praised by Deschamps, who described him as a major influence and a crucial link between the strikers and defence.

The attacking prowess of France was further demonstrated by the combination play between Ousmane Dembele and Mbappe, who have collectively been involved in six goals in the United States. This duo has assisted each other four times for Dembele to Mbappe and twice for Mbappe to Dembele, a record for any duo since 1966 in the competition. Bradley Barcola also contributed significantly, scoring France‘s second goal.

The team’s offensive strength has been consistently high, with France becoming the first team in World Cup history to score three or more goals in five consecutive matches. Former players like Ian Wright and Patrick Vieira have highlighted France as the team to beat, with Gary Neville noting their precision and devastation. Sweden‘s coach, Graham Potter, admitted he had not seen a better team.

Looking ahead to Paraguay

Following their dominant win, France will now face Paraguay in the round of 16. Paraguay emerged as a surprise opponent after defeating Germany. The match is scheduled for Saturday, 4 July, in Philadelphia.

Despite the team’s strong form, Didier Deschamps urged caution, emphasizing the need to remain calm and focused. When asked about the team’s chances of going all the way, he stated, “Please, slow down.” He highlighted that while they have reached the round of 16, there is always room for improvement and the opposition will only get stronger.

The French squad’s professional approach was evident even after their victory against Sweden. While fans celebrated, the players maintained a composed demeanor, acknowledging the win but understanding that the tournament journey is far from over. This measured response reflects their determination to continue raising their standards as they progress.

Should France overcome Paraguay, they would advance to the quarter-finals to play the winner of the match between co-hosts Canada and Morocco. That potential quarter-final fixture would take place in Boston Stadium on Thursday, 9 July.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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France delivered a commanding performance against Sweden in the World Cup round of 32, securing a decisive 3-0 victory. The match, held in East Rutherford, saw Kylian Mbappé net two goals, with Bradley Barcola adding another, ensuring France’s progression in the tournament.

The encounter began with Sweden demonstrating a competitive spirit and a clear game plan, particularly in their counter-attacking efforts. Players like Anthony Elanga and Viktor Gyökeres aimed to link up with Alexander Isak, who had two early shots on goal within the first 25 minutes. However, the defensive efforts of Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba prevented these attempts from troubling France’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan.

Despite Sweden’s compact and brave defending, France gradually found their rhythm. After a period where their intricate approach play struggled to break down the Swedish defence, and Mbappé resorted to long-range efforts, France intensified their attack. A forceful drive from Adrian Rabiot, which was just turned around the post by Sweden’s goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström, seemed to ignite the French offensive.

Following this, France created a series of opportunities. Mbappé had a shot go over and another hit the post from close range. Michael Olise, who would later be instrumental, attempted a scissor kick that also struck Zetterström’s right post, with Ousmane Dembelé‘s follow-up going over the bar. Olise then had another shot from distance saved by Zetterström, leading to a corner.

The breakthrough came in the 35th minute from this corner. Dembelé played a short corner to Olise, who returned the pass. Dembelé then quickly moved the ball to Mbappé inside the box on the right side. Despite a challenging angle and multiple defenders, Mbappé skillfully bent a shot past Zetterström, giving France the lead just before half-time.

Sweden still managed to threaten before the break, with Elanga reaching the byline and delivering a pass. However, Jules Koundé intercepted the ball before Gyökeres could connect, and Elliot Stroud‘s subsequent shot went over the bar.

France extended their lead eight minutes into the second half. After Sweden lost possession following a period of French passing, Aurélien Tchouaméni quickly passed to Olise. Olise then delivered a perfectly weighted pass between a Swedish centre-half and full-back, allowing Barcola to stride into the box and powerfully strike the ball into the net.

Olise continued to be a central figure in France’s attacking play throughout the second half. He moved across the forward line, dropped deep, and made runs, consistently seeking the ball to control it and create danger. Around the hour mark, he had another long-range effort that required a sprawling save from Zetterström. His mesmerising passing triangle with Rabiot and Koundé on the halfway line also showcased France’s technical prowess.

With approximately 15 minutes remaining, Olise secured his second assist of the match, setting up Mbappé for his second goal. This involved another precise pass from Olise and a well-timed run from Mbappé, who finished by curling the ball into the far side of the goal, sealing France’s 3-0 victory.

The result meant the elimination of Alexander Isak’s Sweden from the tournament. The Liverpool striker played for 89 minutes of the match held in New Jersey. France will now advance to face Paraguay in the last 16.

Source: theguardian.com

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Norway opted to rest key players, including Erling Haaland, during their final group stage match against France at World Cup 2026. This decision came despite the match being billed as a potential showdown between Haaland and France’s Kylian Mbappe. France ultimately secured a 4-1 victory, with Ousmane Dembele scoring a first-half hat-trick.

Norway manager Stale Solbakken made 10 changes to his starting XI, a move he described as a “no-brainer” due to player health and medical advice. The team had already qualified for the knockout stages, leading Solbakken to prioritise player fitness for the later stages of the tournament. The decision meant that Haaland, who had scored four goals in the previous two group games, started on the bench.

Strategic Player Rotation

The extensive changes by Norway meant that fans who had travelled to see Haaland and Martin Odegaard play did not get to see them in action. Former England striker Ian Wright noted before the game that if Haaland needed rest for the tournament’s later stages, he would take it. Despite the changes, Norway’s deputy, Jorgen Strand Larsen, missed a penalty that could have narrowed France’s lead.

Haaland had previously commented on facing France, stating he did not “care too much about that game now” after Norway secured their qualification for the knockout stages. He also suggested that France would likely win against Norway and potentially the entire tournament.

The decision to rest players has sparked debate. While France topped Group I with three wins, Norway now face a significant travel challenge for their next game. Their reward for winning the group was a last-32 match at the New York New Jersey Stadium against the runners-up in Group F or G. Norway, however, must travel approximately 1,100 miles from Greensboro, North Carolina, to Arlington, Texas, to play Ivory Coast on the same day. Had they topped their group, their travel distance would have been halved.

Implications for the Knockout Stages

Ex-Scotland winger Pat Nevin described the travel situation as “quite complicated,” highlighting the “massive distances” involved if a team loses a game and has to relocate. However, he also suggested that ensuring players are “completely and utterly fit” is likely a priority for Norway, especially given their physical style of play. Nevin questioned whether it would be worth risking injuries to key players by fielding a full-strength side against France.

Wright expressed surprise at Norway’s 10 changes, particularly as they had used the same starting XI for their victories against Iraq and Senegal. Nevin added that Norway’s physical approach, involving several tall players, might have posed a different challenge for France if their usual team had played.

Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Roy Keane supported Solbakken’s reasoning, noting that Norway is a team not yet accustomed to tournament football, unlike France, who are expected to compete for the World Cup title. Keane suggested that Norway’s priority was to advance from the group, which they achieved, and that the manager likely aimed to rest players for subsequent matches.

France assistant Guy Stephan, who was deputising for Didier Deschamps, stated he was not surprised by Norway’s changes, understanding that Solbakken aimed to prepare for the round of 32. He added that it would become clear “in four days” whether the decision was correct.

Norway is one of only four teams to make 10 or more changes to their starting XI for a World Cup match in the same edition. Spain made 11 changes in 2006 against Saudi Arabia and won, but then lost to France in the last 16. In contrast, Belgium made 10 changes in 2018, defeated Japan, and went on to beat Brazil in the quarter-finals before being eliminated by France.

Dembele’s hat-trick in Foxborough was a highlight of the match, with his goals showcasing a consistent technique of cutting inside and striking with his left foot. His first goal came after just seven minutes, setting the tone for France’s dominant performance. The French team’s depth was further demonstrated by goals from Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Desire Doue, with Doue scoring his first World Cup goal.

France’s attacking prowess has led to them being the first team since Poland in 1974 to have two players score four goals each in the group stage. This expanded tournament also marks the first World Cup where five players have scored four or more goals in the group stage.

The strategic choices made by Norway will be tested in their upcoming fixture against Ivory Coast.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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