World Cup Predictions & Tips | Round of 32: France v Sweden

Match 77: France v Sweden
Location: New York New Jersey Stadium
Time: 9:00am, Wednesday 1 July
Head to Head: France Wins (12), Sweden Wins (6), Draws (5)

Key Stats

• France has scored 2+ goals in 15 of their last 16 matches
• France has won 4 of the last 5 meetings between these two nations
• It has been more than a year since Sweden kept a clean sheet (14 matches)
• Mbappe leads the tournament in shots (16), shots on target (9) and goal involvements (6)

Preview

Many teams that had already clinched a place in the knockout phase rested players for their final group game but not France. Instead, Les Blues made a statement with a 4-1 win over Norway that was highlighted by a first half hat-trick from Dembele. They were one of only three nations (Argentina and Mexico) to collect maximum points from the three group games and their 10 goals scored was equal best (Germany and Netherlands). The French are an attacking powerhouse and have scored at least once in 16 consecutive games with 2+ goals in 15 of those matches! Both teams to score has hit in 7 of their last 8 but their motto is simple – score more than the opposition.

Sweden’s performance in the tournament has been as inconsistent as their passage to get here. They opened with a crushing 5-1 win over Tunisia but followed that with a loss to the Netherlands by the same score. Then they found themselves a goal down to Japan and facing elimination. Newcastle United’s Anthony Elanga answered the call with a crucial equaliser but they will need a complete team performance to cause an upset.

The history between these two nations goes back almost a century to 1935 but in more recent years France has dominated. They have won 4 of the last 5 meetings and there is very little to indicate that Sweden can turn the tables on them. Sweden have conceded at least once in each of their last 14 games with more than a year having passed since their last clean sheet. France have shown us that they are not willing to take the foot off the pedal. They will dominate for the entirety of this contest.

Player To Watch

Kylian Mbappe bagged a double in each of the first two group games but turned provider in the game against Norway with 2 assists. He leads the tournament in shots (16), shots on target (9) and goal involvements (6). On the back of his speed and vision, Mbappe is consistently able to find space and utilise to create for himself and teammates. Cannot see Sweden slowing him down.

Betting Tips

Best Bet: France WIN/Over 2.5 goals ($1.70)
Other: Mbappe 3+ Shots on Target ($2.00)
Value: France Over 3.5 goals ($3.50)
SGM: France WIN, Both Teams To Score – YES, Mbappe Anytime Goalscorer ($2.83)