Kylian Mbappe continued his sensational World Cup form with another brace as France cruised into the Round of 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden on Tuesday, while Erling Haaland inspired Norway to their first-ever World Cup knockout-stage win with a dramatic 2-1 triumph over Ivory Coast.
Mbappe struck twice at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to take his tournament tally to six goals, drawing level with Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring charts.
The French captain also moved to 18 World Cup goals in just 18 appearances, leaving him only one behind Messi’s all-time tournament record of 19.
Bradley Barcola added France’s other goal as Didier Deschamps’ side produced another dominant display to reinforce their credentials as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
Sweden frustrated France for much of the opening half, but Mbappe finally broke the deadlock just before the interval with a brilliant solo effort after weaving past several defenders.
Barcola doubled the advantage eight minutes after the restart before Mbappe completed his brace in the 74th minute, sealing a comfortable victory that sets up a Round of 16 showdown with Paraguay in Philadelphia.
“I know who I am and what I have to do, but it’s not just about me,” Mbappe said after the match.
“The whole team understands what we need to achieve here.”
Earlier in the day, Haaland once again proved decisive as Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in Arlington, Texas, to secure their first-ever victory in the knockout stage of a World Cup.
Antonio Nusa handed Norway the lead before Amad Diallo equalised for the African side. However, Haaland struck in the 86th minute to restore Norway’s advantage and send his country into the next round.
The Manchester City striker has now scored five goals at the tournament and will head into Norway’s Round of 16 clash against Brazil full of confidence.
Ivory Coast nearly forced extra time deep into stoppage time, but goalkeeper Orjan Nyland produced a superb save to keep out Diallo’s curling free-kick.
The victory also vindicated Norway coach Stale Solbakken after he came under heavy criticism for resting several first-team players, including Haaland, during the team’s final group-stage defeat to France.
Solbakken was quick to praise his star striker after the historic win.
“To score five goals in three World Cup matches for a country like Norway is incredible,” he said.
“I wouldn’t swap him for anyone because, in my opinion, he’s the best goalscorer in world football today.”
Elsewhere, Mexico were preparing for their Round of 32 clash with Ecuador, with the winners set to remain in Mexico City for a last-16 meeting against either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ahead of the match, the Ecuador Football Federation lodged an official complaint with tournament organisers after Mexican supporters gathered outside the team’s hotel late on Monday night in an apparent attempt to disturb the players.
In a statement, the federation described the incident as being “far removed from the principles of fair play, equality and unity that the World Cup should represent.”
