Kylian Mbappe became the highest-scoring player in FIFA World Cup knockout history after netting twice in France's commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden, sending Les Bleus into the last 16 where they will face Paraguay.

The France captain took his tally to 10 goals in World Cup knockout matches, surpassing the previous record, while also moving level with Argentina's Lionel Messi at the top of the tournament's Golden Boot standings with six goals apiece.

France dominated from the outset despite sweltering conditions in New Jersey. Mbappe thought he had opened the scoring midway through the first half, but the effort was ruled out for offside before he struck the post moments later. Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele also came close as Sweden struggled to contain the relentless French attack.

According to the BBC, Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest for much of the first half, but he was finally beaten just before the break when Mbappe collected a perfectly weighted pass from Dembele, skipped past Viktor Gyokeres with a clever stepover and calmly slotted into the far corner.

Sweden briefly threatened to respond after halftime, but Elliot Stroud squandered a golden opportunity by firing over from close range. France quickly regained control, doubling their lead in the 53rd minute when Bradley Barcola latched onto an incisive pass from Olise and drilled a powerful finish inside the near post.

The French continued to create chances, with Dembele and Olise both denied by the impressive Zetterstrom. Mbappe eventually sealed the result in the 74th minute, collecting another precise through ball from Olise before curling a composed finish beyond the Swedish goalkeeper for his second goal of the match.

Sweden had one final opportunity to reduce the deficit late on, but Viktor Gyokeres was denied in a one-on-one by France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, ensuring a comfortable clean-sheet victory for Didier Deschamps' side.

The emphatic win keeps France firmly among the tournament favourites as they prepare for a last-16 showdown against Paraguay, while Mbappe's record-breaking performance further strengthens his case as one of the greatest World Cup performers of his generation.

BOB Post