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Kylian Mbappe (Source: Google)
New Delhi: Kylian Mbappe once again proved why he is France’s biggest match-winner as Les Bleus defeated Sweden 3-0 to book their place in the last 16, where they will face Paraguay.
Mbappe scored twice in the match, taking his tally in World Cup knockout games to 10 goals. With this, he became the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup knockout history. He also moved level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race, with both players now on six goals in the tournament.
France started strongly despite the intense heat in New Jersey. Mbappe thought he had opened the scoring in the 20th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Soon after, he struck the post from close range following a low cross from Jules Kounde.
Michael Olise also came close with a brilliant scissor-kick effort that hit the upright, while Ousmane Dembele missed the rebound. Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom kept his side alive with several impressive saves, but France finally broke through just before half-time.
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Dembele slipped a perfect pass into Mbappe’s path, and the French captain showed great composure to beat Viktor Gyokeres with a stepover before firing into the far corner.
Sweden had a chance to respond immediately, but Elliot Stroud missed from 12 yards out. France then doubled their lead early in the second half when Bradley Barcola finished sharply at the near post after a clever pass from Olise.
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Mbappe sealed the win in the 74th minute, curling home another fine finish after being released by Olise. Sweden nearly grabbed a consolation late on, but Mike Maignan denied Gyokeres.
France will now face Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday, July 4, after Paraguay stunned Germany on penalties.
