Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Kylian Mbappe took his tournament tally to six goals in a 3-0 win over Sweden to help France secure a place in the World Cup round of 16.
As France’s march through the group stage looked ominous for their rivals, Mbappe put on a show that had a supporting cast just as entertaining. In New Jersey, Michael Ollis proved to be an outstanding sidekick.
It was impossible for a Sweden team that had flowed hot and cold before and during this tournament to hold such momentum, unable to meet the standard required to cause the favorites any real problems. They managed just two attempts on target in a horribly one-sided tie.
With Didier Deschamps reinstated on the touchline following the death of his mother, Mbappe rose to the occasion, scoring either side of the break in a performance dripping with class.
Michael Ollis set up Bradley Barcola for France’s second goal
He sliced through Sweden’s poor defense to beat first-half opener Jacob Zetterstrom and linked up with Ollis for France’s late third goal, finishing the move with a curling far-post finish on the left – reminiscent of the great Thierry Henry.
In the middle, Ollis teed up Bradley Barcola, the subject of rumors Arsenal love This summer, and he hit the top corner for a display of devastating ruthlessness.
Mbappe took his tournament total to six in the second half – level with Lionel Messi
Mbappe has gone head-to-head with the Argentina star to overtake Lionel Messi on the all-time World Cup goalscoring list. The Golden Boot In this year’s tournament. Paraguay, the surprise package, awaits in the next round Saturday in Philadelphia.
On the evidence, they will need something special to stop this extremely talented team from reaching the quarter-finals. France is impossible to ignore D losing team
Strong France set standards
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville on ITV Sport:
“Everything France does is strong. It’s great to watch – and it’s the best performance of the tournament so far.
“There’s a long way to go, but you look at them now and think ‘you’ll be disappointed if you don’t win it’. They’re a level ahead of all the other teams.”
Highlights from New York New Jersey…
3: Alexander Isak fires an early warning with a snapshot from distance after good work from Victor Goyokeres.
15: Lucas Digne heads forward from range, before Mbappe lands the first of four attempts on target.
20: Mbappe sends out a warning after converting Olis’ through ball, only to be flagged for offside.
32: Post! Mbappe hit the post. Ollis next tries an acrobatic overhead.
45: Goal! Mbappe broke the deadlock with a masterful finish from Dembele’s pass.
53: Goal! France’s second goal was Ollis’ pass and released Barcola.
74: Goal! Mbappe caps a perfect performance in the form of a perfectly curled strike into the far corner.
France matches unique style with substance
Kylian Mbappe celebrated with manager Didier Deschamps as the France boss returned to the dugout on Tuesday.
Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe have scored six goals in this year’s World Cup. But the connection between France’s leading marksman and Michael Ollis is as clear as can be seen.
Mbappe created the most chances and dribbled the most jointly. Then it’s Ollis’ turn to make the most shots and generate the most touches. Together they were irresistible.
France’s entire front four were, indeed, at a much higher level than should even be justified. No opposition can match this talent. Sweden was mobbed. The scoreline, impressive but not devastating, actually flattered them. France delivered a performance that only gets better with age, each replay a reminder of its brilliance.
It’s hard to think of a tournament with such clear favorites at this relatively early stage. But France are undeniably formidable and have no obvious weaknesses. Who can compete with them?
Mbappe sent Deschamps a message of support
France captain Kylian Mbappé:
“I am fully aware of what is at stake, where I am and what I have to do. The team knows what to do here as well.
“A new competition is starting. We played well today, although we had a tough start.
“We’re all in this together. Coach went through something that, unfortunately, everyone goes through at some point in life. It’s incredibly difficult. He’ll never be alone with us. We’ll support him.”
