Kylian Mbappé scored twice to draw level with Lionel Messi in the golden boot race as France delivered a masterclass in attacking football, defeating Sweden 3-0 in a World Cup group stage match at the New York-New Jersey stadium in East Rutherford.
Mbappé's brace and Olise's brilliance
Mbappé's two clinical finishes, combined with Michael Olise's two assists and a virtuoso performance, left spectators in awe. France's attacking play was of such quality that it may only be fully appreciated upon reflection, according to observers.
Olise should have had a hat-trick but made do with two assists and a display that left jaws on the floor. At this point, it is very hard to see beyond Didier Deschamps' men, and there is equally the sense that there is more to come.
Sweden's competitive first half
On a hot afternoon, the first half served up an interesting contest with Sweden in the mood to compete and in possession of a gameplan. They had good options on the counterattack, either by releasing Anthony Elanga or going long to Viktor Gyökeres, and both would look immediately to where Alexander Isak was.
The Liverpool man was released twice by his teammates in the opening 25 minutes and on both occasions got his shot off. Thanks to the close attentions of Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba, however, neither effort bothered Mike Maignan.
France's breakthrough
France's pressure eventually paid off when Mbappé scored from a corner routine in the 35th minute. The corner was taken by Ousmane Dembelé and played short to Olise, who returned the pass. Dembelé then played it quickly to Mbappé just inside the box. Despite a tight angle and numerous defenders, Mbappé took a look at his closest man, Gyökeres, stood him up, shuffled to his right and bent a shot beyond Zetterström.
France doubled their lead eight minutes into the second half. The ball was seized by Aurelién Tchouaméni and passed directly to Olise, who produced another piece of magic with a pass between the Swedish centre-half and full-back that was weighted perfectly for the run of Bradley Barcola, who strode into the box and smashed the ball into the roof of the net.
Olise's second assist and Mbappé's second goal
Olise got his second assist of the game, and Mbappé his second goal, with 15 minutes remaining. Another piece of achingly beautiful play, it was another deft Olise pass, another perfectly timed run from Mbappé and a repeat finish, curling into the far side of the goal. It was hard not to mutter 'ooh la la' involuntarily, one fan noted.
Sweden had their moments, with Elanga hitting the byline and finding a good pass, but Jules Koundé beat Gyökeres to the ball and Elliot Stroud blazed the follow-up well over. France's defense, marshaled by Upamecano and Saliba, kept Sweden at bay throughout.
