Memorable moments in World Cup history often come from matches like this one. France delivered a commanding performance once more, securing a decisive victory against a competitive Swedish side. The elegance of their attacking play and the beauty of their goals were truly remarkable, though it may take time for their brilliance to be fully appreciated.
Kylian Mbappé matched Lionel Messi’s tally in the race for the golden boot, netting two flawless goals. Michael Olise, who could have easily scored a hat-trick, instead contributed with two assists and a stellar display that left spectators in awe at the New York-New Jersey stadium. Currently, it’s challenging to envision a team rivaling Didier Deschamps’ squad, and there’s a palpable sense that even more is yet to come.
On a sweltering afternoon in East Rutherford, the first half unfolded as an intriguing contest. Sweden appeared determined to compete, employing a strategic gameplan. Their counterattacking options were promising, with Anthony Elanga and Viktor Gyökeres looking to exploit openings. Alexander Isak was a focal point, receiving the ball twice in the first 25 minutes; however, thanks to the vigilance of Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba, neither of his attempts troubled goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
While Sweden posed a threat with their compact and courageous defense, France initially struggled to penetrate their backline. For a time, the French team seemed hindered, with their intricate build-up play failing to yield results, and Mbappé resorted to frustrated long-range shots. However, around the 30-minute mark, France shifted gears.
It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact catalyst for this change, but perhaps it was Adrian Rabiot’s vigorous drive that forced Jacob Widell Zetterström to make a crucial save. Following that moment, France unleashed a barrage of attacking opportunities, each more audacious than the last, until the breakthrough finally occurred.
Mbappé attempted a shot that sailed over the bar, followed by another that struck the post from a mere six yards. Then, in the 35th minute, Olise executed a stunning scissor kick that ricocheted off Zetterström’s right post, falling to Ousmane Dembelé, whose follow-up shot went high. Olise nearly scored from 20 yards out but saw his effort deflected for a corner.
Dembelé took the corner quickly, passing it short to Olise, who returned the favor. Dembelé then swiftly played it to Mbappé, positioned just inside the box on the right. Despite the tight angle and numerous defenders, France’s star player assessed the situation, shifted to his right, and curled an exquisite shot past Zetterström before the Swedish side could react. France’s players were soon celebrating in a group hug with Deschamps.
Before the halftime whistle, Sweden managed to threaten the French defense, with Elanga reaching the byline. He delivered a promising pass, but Jules Koundé intercepted the ball ahead of Gyökeres, and Elliot Stroud’s follow-up shot soared over the bar.
Just eight minutes into the second half, France doubled their lead. Despite Sweden’s diligent efforts to close down a French passing sequence, they unexpectedly lost possession. Aurelién Tchouaméni seized the opportunity, feeding Olise, who executed a brilliant pass between the Swedish center-back and full-back, perfectly timed for Bradley Barcola’s run into the box. Barcola then struck the ball into the net with power.
Olise was in stellar form during the second half, roaming across the forward line, dropping deep, and making runs to receive the ball, showcasing his skill and creating threats. An hour into the match, he unleashed another effort from over 20 yards that forced a sprawling save from Zetterström. Equally captivating was a minute-long passing sequence involving Olise, Rabiot, and Koundé at the halfway line, showcasing a variety of pass techniques with distinct weights and spins.
With just 15 minutes remaining, Olise earned his second assist of the match, while Mbappé scored his second goal, resulting from yet another beautifully crafted play that few other teams in the tournament could replicate. Another deft pass from Olise set up a perfectly timed run from Mbappé, who finished with a curling shot into the far corner of the net. It was a moment that elicited involuntary admiration, with spectators mumbling “ooh la la.”
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