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 back 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.
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 Liverpool and Arsenal’s affections this summer, and he lashed into the top corner to cap a display of devastating ruthlessness.
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.
