Mbappe Scores Twice as France Advances to Round of 16

[Anchor]

France, a strong favorite to win the North and Central American World Cup, has defeated Sweden to advance to the round of 16. With two additional goals, Mbappe has reached six goals in the tournament, tying with Messi for the lead in the top scorer race.

Reporter Yu Byeongmin has the story.

[Reporter]

France suffered from bad luck despite maintaining an offensive throughout the first half.

In the 32nd minute, Mbappe's shot hit the goalpost, and in the 35th minute, Olise's spectacular bicycle kick was blocked by the woodwork.

Mbappe changed the frustrating flow of the game in an instant.

In the 45th minute, he dribbled past defenders with brilliant individual skill inside the penalty area and fired a right-footed shot into the net.

Gaining momentum, France pulled further ahead with a goal from Barcola in the 8th minute of the second half, and Mbappe added another goal in the 29th minute, completing his third multi-goal game of the tournament.

With six goals in this tournament, Mbappe is now tied for the lead with Argentina's Messi, who has yet to play his round of 32 match. Mbappe has also increased his total World Cup goal tally to 18, closing in on Messi by just one goal.

France cruised to a 3-0 victory over Sweden to reach the round of 16, moving forward strongly in their quest to return to the top for the first time in eight years.

---

Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 to advance to the round of 16.

Haaland, who scored the winning goal in the 41st minute of the second half, continued his race for the Golden Boot with five goals in the tournament, trailing Messi and Mbappe.

The Norwegian players once again enjoyed the joy of victory with their signature rowing celebration with the fans.

Host nation Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0, thanks to the performance of Quinones, who recorded one goal and one assist, successfully advancing to the round of 16.

This marks the first time in 40 years since 1986 that Mexico has won a match in the tournament's knockout stage.

※