Sports
France – Sweden live: Les Bleus begin knockout campaign against Blagult
France begin their knockout campaign against Sweden at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, looking to maintain their unbeaten record after three consecutive group stage victories. Les Bleus are heavy favourites against the Scandinavians, but complacency could prove costly as Les Tricolores hunt for a round of 16 berth against Paraguay. Follow our liveblog to see how things unfold.
Official lineups for France – Sweden
France: Maignan – Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne – Tchouaméni, Rabiot – Dembélé, Olise, Barcola – Mbappé (cap.)
Sweden: Zetterstrom – Gudmundsson, Lindelof (cap.), Lagerbielke – Stroud, Ayari, Bergvall, Svensson – Isak, Gyokeres, Elanga
And it’s halftime in East Rutherford!
3 minutes of added time
FINALLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
You can’t deny Kyks ten times in a row!
Frustration mounting for France
Olise measures his shot perfectly but it flies past the left post! France are creating chance after chance, hitting the woodwork twice and forcing brilliant saves from Zetterström.
But the ball simply WON’T GO IN.
11 shots, 5 on goal for France
Genius move from Olise!
Michael Olise unleashes an acrobatic bicycle kick that nearly opens the scoring, but the ball cannons off the right post! Ousmane Dembélé follows up on the rebound but his effort just misses the target. So close once again for Les Bleus!
Rabiot goes close again!
Adrien Rabiot attempts another long-range effort, but this time his ambitious strike sails over the bar. The French midfielder is having an outstanding start to the match!
And another one! Kyks this time!
The Bleus are in the ascendancy! France are pushing hard, creating chances in quick succession and applying sustained pressure on the Swedish defence. Les Bleus are dominating possession and territory as they search for the breakthrough against a retreating Swedish side
What a chance for Les Bleus!
Rabiot has a golden opportunity inside the penalty area after receiving a perfect pass but fires directly at Zetterström, who makes an excellent save.
Maignan denies Isak!
Isak connects with the ball from close range and strikes towards the bottom right corner, but Mike Maignan produces a magnificent save to keep the ball out!
Time for a cooling break in New Jersey!
GOAL RULED OUT!
Mbappé celebrates after finding the back of the net, but the assistant referee’s flag goes up for offside!
Barcola’s solo run
Bradley Barcola weaves through Sweden’s defence with impressive skill and finds himself in a promising position inside the box. The French winger strikes at goal but sends his effort well over the crossbar!
Mbappé’s long-range attempt
Kylian Mbappé tries his luck from distance, firing a low drive towards goal. The French captain’s opening attempt lacks the strength needed to trouble Zetterström.
Digne’s effort denied!
Lucas Digne strikes from distance after creating space for himself, unleashing a powerful low drive towards goal!
Stroud’s cross goes astray
Stroud attempts a hopeful cross from the flank, but the delivery is too long and doesn’t reach any Swedish teammate
France in control
Slick passing moves from France as the Bleus are dominating the tempo with neat, intricate one-touch football
Zetterström claims the ball
Olise sends a long cross towards Barcola, but Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström rushes off his line to gather the ball before the French winger can capitalise
Sweden clear the danger
France are awarded a free kick after a foul on Ousmane Dembélé, but the Swedish defence is alert and clears the resulting set piece. Les Bleus’ early attempt to test the opposition is repelled as Sweden remain compact
And off we go!
Time for the anthems!
We will start with La Marseillaise!
And then “Du gamla, du fria”, the Swedish national anthem!
10 minutes until kick-off!!
Les Bleus ready to fight!
20 minutes until kick-off
‘We are supporting France because they have amazing baguette’
‘At least three goals’ for France, says Les Bleus supporter
“At least three goals, I think,” says this French supporter ahead of the match. “Maybe 3-1, because the defence isn’t perfect. It should be a match played with complete control.”
Live from the MetLife stadium with France 24 teams on the ground
Teams qualified for the Round of 16 so far ⬆️
One hour to kick-off!
Sweden’s starting XI
Zetterstrom – Gudmundsson, Lindelof (cap.), Lagerbielke – Stroud, Ayari, Bergvall, Svensson – Isak, Gyokeres, Elanga
Deschamps’ adjustments
Lucas Digne gets the start at left-back ahead of Lucas Hernandez, while Bradley Barcola partners in attack instead of Désiré Doué
Les Tricolores’ starting XI
Les Bleus are focused!
Team Sveridge ready to fight!
France topped their group with an impressive unbeaten run, winning all three group matches to secure first place with maximum points. Didier Deschamps‘ side have shown attacking prowess and defensive solidity throughout the group stage, establishing themselves as one of the tournament’s elite teams heading into the knockout rounds.
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Sweden, meanwhile, claimed a place in the Round of 32 after a mixed campaign that saw them finish second in their group with 4 points from 3 matches. Gyokeres’ side showed resilience to advance but face a stern test against the tournament favorites. France are seeking to extend their winning streak and move one step closer to ultimately claiming the trophy, while Sweden will attempt to upset the odds and cause a major shock in New Jersey.
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