Sweden face France’s attacking firepower at the World Cup
LOS ANGELES: France unleash their devastating forward line on Sweden in a last-32 tie at the World Cup on Tuesday, while Erling Haaland will try to fire Norway past the Ivory Coast into the next round. Co-hosts Mexico meanwhile bid to continue their journey in front of a fervent crowd at the Estadio Azteca when they take on Ecuador. The Swedish defense is bracing to face not only Kylian Mbappe, who has scored four times already in this tournament, but also Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, who notched a hat-trick in a 4-1 win against Norway in the group stage. Completing the French trio is Michael Olize, whose runs at defenders have been creating havoc. With attacking swagger and midfield flair, Les Bleus appear well-placed to reach their third final in as many World Cups. The only question mark might be their defense — and Sweden have their own high-profile forward line who will try to unlock it, although Premier League duo Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres have not fully fired yet at this tournament. If France get past Sweden, they will face not Germany — who were beaten in a penalty shootout for the first time in World Cup history on Monday — but their conquerors Paraguay. France coach Didier Deschamps said Sweden had “nothing to lose.” “Sweden are playing for their survival. Obviously they will do everything to win the game,” Deschamps said on Monday. “We need to stay humble, maintain our determination and concentration.
