During the initial knockout games of the FIFA World Cup, chaos reigned as matches hinged on the narrowest of margins. Brazil, Canada, and Norway secured their places with extremely late goals. In contrast, Morocco and Paraguay advanced through penalty kicks—the harshest method to break a deadlock. Yet, France, a top contender, showcased how matches can be won with calm, orderly, and dominant play.
Entering the competition as favorites, France’s standing has only strengthened since the tournament started three weeks ago. They won all three group stage games, a feat matched only by Argentina and Mexico. Scoring ten goals, France equaled the output of the Netherlands and Germany, both now eliminated.
This performance was France’s most threatening yet, demolishing a Swedish team that featured seven Premier League regulars. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, surpassing records for World Cup knockout goals. His coach, Didier Deschamps, appeared to bow in admiration of the striker’s prowess. France tallied 25 shots on Sweden’s goal, with 12 on target.
Didier Deschamps ‘bows’ down to Kylian Mbappe
Sweden proved accommodating opponents. Coach Graham Potter’s strategy, setting up two lines of four in midfield and defense, allowed France’s Michael Olise remarkable freedom. Olise, surrounded by the talents of Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, and Mbappe, commanded the field at MetLife Stadium.
Olise’s play was versatile, managing both short and long passes. He initiated attacks and prowled across the pitch, creating a chaotic touchmap likened to a toddler’s painting. French icon Thierry Henry praised Olise and Mbappe’s collaboration. “If Mbappe is France’s MVP, Olise is their MIP—Most Important Player,” Henry remarked.
Henry, who coached Olise during the 2024 Olympics, continued to commend Olise’s unique vision and skills. Olise performed exceptionally, while his teammates showed strong support. Bradley Barcola, replacing Desire Doue on the left flank, seized his opportunity. Barcola scored France’s second goal, showcasing his own skill with a precise change of direction.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic noted Olise’s genius, asserting, “The other ones are killers, but Olise sees solutions no one else does.” As young as they are—Olise, Barcola, and Doue being 24, 23, and 21, respectively—their emergence reflects an infusion of new life into the French squad.
Previously celebrated players like Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud have exited the starting roster, replaced with fresh talents. The depth of options available means that even without Rayan Cherki, France’s lineup remains formidable. Yet, Deschamps might still deploy Cherki as the tournament progresses.
They rotate with a lot of players, they are not static, they know each other well.
Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres echoed this sentiment about France’s dynamic approach. Predictions in knockout football are precarious due to its unpredictable nature. France’s toughest opponent might be complacency. Still, few teams seem capable of matching France’s mix of strength and aptitude.
The team is motivated by a desire to reclaim the World Cup after their 2022 loss. Deschamps’ personal stakes, amplified by his mother’s passing, add emotional weight to their journey. Kylian Mbappe’s embrace with Deschamps highlighted this emotional connection.
I personally have not seen a better team.
Graham Potter admitted Sweden’s best wouldn’t overcome France’s superior play. On UK television, Patrick Vieira compared France’s current squad favorably with the 1998 team, led by Zinedine Zidane. France’s 25 shots against Sweden were their highest since the 1998 round of 16 against Paraguay.
France’s path to the final is becoming clear. Scheduled matches avoid major challenges faced by other teams. If they reach the MetLife Stadium final on July 19, most games will have been played in the New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Boston area, with only a potential semi-final journey to Dallas.
Upcoming opponents include Paraguay, with subsequent matches against Canada or Morocco, and potential clashes with Spain, Portugal, or Belgium in the semi-finals. Former England international Ian Wright posed the critical question: “Who will stop them?” with their dominant form.