France vs. Sweden: World Cup Clash with High Stakes

Sweden haven’t created many chances, but the ones they have had look dangerous, with Anthony Elanga the standout threat down the right side whenever he gets on the ball. Sweden will want to get him involved as quickly as possible. The pitch is now largely in shadow too, which should make conditions slightly easier for the players in this second half.

Ayari floats a free-kick into the box but it sails over everyone, a missed opportunity Sweden can’t really afford at this stage. France respond immediately and almost punish them again, with Olise curling an effort just wide of the post.

France are really starting to crank it up now, with Olise, Mbappé and Barcola all taking turns to stretch the Swedish defence and come close. It’s been a bit of a let-off for Sweden so far, and they’ll feel lucky it’s still level with how many openings France have created

That really should’ve been a goal. The ball drops to Michael Olise inside the box and he pulls off a brilliant overhead kick that crashes off the post. Dembélé is first to the rebound but drags his effort just wide.

Sweden respond straight away with a quick break of their own, and Isak almost gets on the end of a cross, but he can’t quite guide it on target.

Despite sharing 23 previous meetings across friendlies and European competition, France and Sweden have never faced one another at the FIFA World Cup until tonight. France hold the historical advantage with 12 victories compared to Sweden's six, while five matches have ended level. The stakes are considerably higher this time, with only one nation progressing to the Round of 16.