Kylian Mbappé and France are sizzling — and not just because of MetLife Stadium’s broiling conditions. Mbappé had his third two-goal game of this World Cup and set a career scoring record for the tournament’s knockout rounds, leading Les Bleus over Sweden 3-0 on Tuesday to set up a round of 16 match against Paraguay.
France’s Star Player
Mbappé scored the go-ahead goal with a brilliant crossover step in the 45th minute and added his sixth goal of the tournament in the 74th to tie Lionel Messi for the tournament scoring lead. He has 18 goals in 18 World Cup games, one behind the Argentine’s career scoring record of 19 in 29 matches.
In between, Bradley Barcola had a 53rd-minute goal for France, which became the first nation to score three or more goals in five consecutive World Cup matches.
Coach’s Praise
France coach Didier Deschamps bowed when Mbappé came to the bench after he was substituted in the 85th minute. “We’re on a mission — so am I with them,” Deschamps said through a translator.
France has outscored opponents 13-2. Michael Olise has five assists, the most in a World Cup since Germany’s Thomas Hassler had five in 1994.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
