What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? Well, the French men’s national team wouldn’t know because it has yet to meet an immovable object in this World Cup.Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.In the first decisive victory of this tournament’s knockout stage, France dominated Sweden Tuesday with a 3-0 win that guaranteed the French another match this week.
This tournament has put France back on top of the FIFA men’s world rankings, just ahead of Argentina, who France lost to in the final four years ago.But France’s defeat of Sweden, a team praised for its strong defensive posturing, begs the question: Can anyone defeat Les Bleus at this World Cup? “Well, of course it’s football — anything is possible,” Sweden’s head coach Graham Potter told reporters after the match.
“But I personally haven’t seen a better team, because the quality they have all over the pitch.And then the options for them off the bench are very, very strong.” France's forward Kylian Mbappé during the match between France and Sweden at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Tuesday.Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty ImagesKylian Mbappé, 27, scored two of Tuesday’s goals at the helm of an attack that might be the single most-intimidating offense in the World Cup thus far.
The striker is joined up front by Ousmane Dembelé, who scored a hat trick against Norway and is the reigning winner of the Ballon d’Or, a prize bestowed upon the best player in the world; Michael Olise, the man leading the tournament in assists; and Bradley Barcola, who converts shots on goal 40% of the time.These men were relentless in New Jersey, creating a comfortable home outside of Sweden’s goal as they hit shot after shot that kept Swedish keeper Jacob Widell Zetterström busy.
The first half was also riddled with failed efforts — hits on the post, an offside attempt, wide aims — until Mbappé’s go...