France and co-hosts Mexico booked their places in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with contrasting but equally commanding victories on Tuesday as Kylian Mbappé continued his relentless march in the World Cup while El Tri finally ended a four-decade-long knockout curse.
France beat Sweden 3-0 at the NY/NJ Stadium and once again Mbappé stole the show. The skipper netted twice to take his tournament haul to six goals to draw level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. More importantly, the Real Madrid superstar became the highest scorer in FIFA World Cup knockout history with nine goals, cementing his reputation as the biggest big-game player of his generation.
Les Bleus were frustrated by the woodwork for much of the first half, but Mbappé broke the deadlock moments before the first half with a trademark finish from a difficult angle. France doubled their lead early in the second half through Bradley Barcola after a superb bit of interplay with Michael Olise. Mbappé then settled the contest in the 74th minute with another clinical finish.
Deschamps’ side never really looked troubled throughout the contest and extended their incredible run of scoring at least three goals in five successive World Cup matches. France head into the Round of 16 against Paraguay with formidable momentum and looking as the very favourites to lift the trophy.
A few hours later, in Mexico City, the Estadio Azteca erupted as Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to claim their first World Cup knockout victory since 1986.
Javier Aguirre’s men started on the front foot before being rewarded in the 22nd minute when Julián Quiñones finished a rapid counter attack with a shot into the top corner in front of a crowd of more than 80,000 passionate supporters. Nine minutes later, Raúl Jiménez doubled the advantage with a cool finish for his 47th international goal, edging closer to Javier Hernández’s all-time national scoring record.
Ecuador had more of the ball after the break but Mexico’s disciplined defence was again solid and kept another clean sheet. Frustration boiled over late in the game, when Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié was sent off.
Teenage sensation Gilberto Mora also impressed with another mature display as the hosts comfortably saw out the contest with Mexico controlling the midfield.
The win put Mexico into the Round of 16 and ended years of World Cup frustration, ending a 40-year wait for a knockout-stage victory. Mexico, who are having a dream World Cup run, will now face either England or DR Congo, while France prepare for a clash with Paraguay as the two in-form nations continue their bid for World Cup glory.
The post Mbappé makes World Cup history as France knock out Sweden; Mexico ends 40-year knockout curse appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.
