France will look to maintain their flawless FIFA World Cup campaign when they face Sweden in the last 16 at MetLife Stadium in New York. Les Bleus arrive with maximum points from the group stage, while Sweden are hoping their record-breaking attack can inspire another famous World Cup upset.

Match Preview

France have emerged as one of the standout teams of the tournament after scoring ten goals across three consecutive group-stage victories, the joint-highest tally of any nation. Their commanding 4-1 win over a much-changed Norway side on matchday three completed their first perfect World Cup group campaign since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1998.

Didier Deschamps’ side have been devastating in front of goal, scoring at least three times in each of their last four World Cup matches. Another high-scoring performance would see France become the first team to net three or more goals in five successive World Cup fixtures, while also extending an impressive run of seven consecutive World Cup victories against European opposition.

Sweden, meanwhile, reached the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing third in Group F. Despite not progressing automatically, Graham Potter’s side enjoyed a productive group campaign, scoring seven goals to set a new Swedish record for goals in a single World Cup group stage.

They remain some way short of the 15 goals they managed when finishing third at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, and their reward for reaching the last 16 is arguably one of the toughest assignments in the competition. Nevertheless, Sweden can take encouragement from their knockout pedigree, having been eliminated at the first knockout stage in only two of their previous seven appearances at this phase, although both of those exits have come in their last three attempts.

Head-to-Head

France hold the advantage in the all-time record, winning 12 of the previous 23 meetings between the two nations (D5, L6).

Interestingly, the pair have only met twice at major tournaments, with Sweden unbeaten on both occasions. They drew 1-1 at UEFA Euro 1992 before Sweden claimed a memorable 2-0 victory during the group stage of UEFA Euro 2012.

Key Talking Points

France’s attacking form has made them one of the favourites to lift the World Cup, while Sweden have already shown they possess enough firepower to trouble stronger opponents.

The Swedes will need to produce a disciplined defensive display if they are to contain one of the tournament’s most potent attacks, but they have previous against France in major competitions and will believe they can make life difficult.

Prediction

France enter the contest with confidence, momentum and one of the most dangerous attacking units in the tournament. Sweden have exceeded expectations to reach the knockout rounds, but overcoming Les Bleus represents a significant challenge.

Prediction: France 3-1 Sweden.