France v Sweden
Play By Play
Start spreading the news - Sweden are leaving today, but France have demonstrated they really want to be a part of it: the New York New Jersey Stadium for the final on July 19, that is! Les Bleus cruise through to the round of 16, where they'll play Paraguay in Philadelphia on Sunday, following a statement 3-0 victory. Despite a positive start from Graham Potter's side, it was eventually a dominant display from the two-time world champions, who registered an xG of 3.17 to their opponents' 0.67. Kylian Mbappe had a goal ruled out for offside, while Michael Olise's wonderful acrobatic attempt was hugely unfortunate to hit the post. However, Mbappe broke the deadlock just before half-time, firing home after a neatly worked short corner. Bradley Barcola latched onto Olise's throughball and clinically finished to make it 2-0 early in the second half. Olise was involved again as Didier Deschamps' side put the contest to bed 16 minutes from time. The Bayern Munich playmaker threaded the eye of a needle to release Mbappe, who subsequently swept into the far corner for his 18th World Cup goal - and sixth of this tournament, moving him level with Lionel Messi. France march onto the round of 16, while Sweden bow out after suffering their earliest elimination since 1990. Nevertheless, Potter's men may well have taken reaching the knockout stages when they finished bottom of their qualifying group all those months ago. Thanks for joining us today. Until next time, goodbye!
FULL-TIME: FRANCE 3-0 SWEDEN
SAVE! Sweden, by contrast, attempt to bow out with a bang. Elanga feeds the ball into Svanberg, who unleashes a fierce strike from a tight angle, but it's beaten away by Maignan. Potter's side have had no change out of their opponents today.
France look to finish with a flourish. Doue has space out on the right and whips the ball across the face of goal towards Mateta at the far post. However, the substitute can't keep his volley down.
We're going to play an additional four minutes at the end of this second half. Sweden will be desperate for the final whistle now, though.
Isak is given a breather for the final few moments, with Nilsson on to replace him.
CHANCE FOR GYOKERES! That's the first clear sight he's had all game! The ball falls kindly for the Arsenal striker just inside the box. He whips a fierce first-time shot towards goal, but Maignan is equal to it.
France are simply going through the motions now, as they close in on becoming the first nation in history to win seven successive World Cup matches against European opposition. There are likely to be tougher tests further down the line, but Les Bleus mean business this year.
Olise is also given a well-earned rest, with Cherki coming on in his place.
There will be no hat-trick or equalling Messi for Mbappe today. He's given a breather and replaced by Mateta.
Alicia Keys once told us that in New York, these streets will make you feel brand new, and big lights will inspire you. That can certainly be said of France today, and particularly Mbappe. The skipper has taken his World Cup goal tally to 18, moving him just one behind Messi once more.
Another Swedish change sees Svensson make way with Svanberg taking his place for the final few minutes.
Sweden make a couple of changes. First, Nygren comes on to replace Ayari.
CLOSE! The Statue of Liberty proudly stands a few miles from here, and France are playing with so much freedom right now. Barcola neatly twists and turns away from the defence, but Zetterstrom is quickly out to close the angle and block his shot.
Doue, who dropped out of the front four, looks to stake his claim to return with a low drive from the edge of the area. It's on target, but easy enough for the goalkeeper to deal with.
Deschamps makes a change at left-back this time, with Theo Hernandez on for Digne.
It's an historic goal for France as they become the first nation in history to score three or more in five successive World Cup matches. Can they add to that tally before the final whistle?
Dembele is also given a breather to be replaced by Doue, whose family have endured a day of mixed fortunes at this World Cup. While his nation are cruising through to the round of 16, brother Guela was part of the Ivory Coast side eliminated by Norway earlier today.
Deschamps turns to the bench, replacing Kounde with Gusto at right-back.
Olise moves top of the assists chart with his fifth of the tournament, after another precise ball to release Mbappe on goal.
MBAPPE AGAIN!!! SACRE BLEU! THAT'S ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL! Surely now, France are through! It's 3-0! Olise is the architect once more, as he threads the eye of a needle again with his pass in behind the Sweden defence. Mbappe just about times his run to stay onside, and bends the ball into the far corner in trademark fashion.
Sweden think they should have a corner, with the ball going behind as Ali takes on Kounde. The Sweden substitute is incensed as the referee points for a goal-kick. Replays justify his frustration, as the final touch definitely came off the France right-back.
WHAT A CHANCE! France should be out of sight! Once again, they embark on a lightning counter through Mbappe, who has Olise for support. The skipper finds the latter, but a heavy touch enables Zetterstrom to close the angle and block his shot.
As things stand, this would be Sweden's earliest elimination from the World Cup, since they bowed out at the group stage in 1990. Can Potter wave his magic wand and inspire one last push from his players during the imminent hydration break?
Zeneli is also introduced for the 1958 World Cup finalists, with Bergvall making way.
