Mbappé on stage: France lead 1-0 at the break

In the World Cup Round of 32, France and Sweden met. In the knockout tie, where the loser exits the tournament, the only goal of the first half came from France, in the host position, and the favorites went into the dressing room 1-0 ahead.

The key moment of the match came at the end of the first half. In the 45th minute, meeting the ball from a chance set up by Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé found the net to put his team ahead. France were seen developing dangerous attacks before this goal as well; in the 21st minute, the moment Mbappé found the net was disallowed for offside.

The overall look of the first half pointed to France's superiority. Clearly ahead of their opponents in possession and chance creation, the favorites stood out in expected goals too. Sweden, meanwhile, tried to limit their opponents' attacks by concentrating in defense, but ended the first 45 minutes behind. The match referee continued to manage the high-tempo contest.

With the first half over, all eyes turned to the second 45 minutes. Whether France, who want to protect their advantage and secure their place in the next round, can reflect that superiority on the scoreline further, and how Sweden will react to find an equalizer, are points of curiosity. The result of this crucial match in the knockout round will directly determine both nations' futures in the tournament.

Image: Yahoo Sports

First-half by the numbers: Possession 71%-29%, expected goals (xG) 1.10-0.29, total shots 15-3, big chances 2-0, touches in the opposition box 17-6.