France 4 - 2 Sweden: Finished | 2020-11-17 | UEFA Nations League

Goalkeepers	G	GC	SAV
Hugo Lloris	0	2	0

Forwards	G	GA	S	FC	FW
Antoine Griezmann	0	0	1	0	1
Olivier Giroud 84' 16', 59'	2	0	6	1	0

Midfielders	GA	S	FC	FW
Paul Pogba	0	1	1	3
Moussa Sissoko	0	0	3	0
Adrien Rabiot 78'	0	1	0	1
Marcus Thuram 58'	1	1	3	0

Defenders	G	S	FC	FW
Benjamin Pavard 36'	1	2	0	2
Presnel Kimpembe	0	0	1	2
Lucas Hernández 45'	0	0	0	0
Raphael Varane 45'	0	0	0	0

Substitutes	G	GA	S	FC	FW
Kurt Zouma 45'(Raphael Varane)	0	0	0	2	1
Lucas Digne 45'(Lucas Hernández)	0	1	0	1	0
Kylian Mbappé 58'(Marcus Thuram)	0	1	0	0	0
Steven Nzonzi 78'(Adrien Rabiot)	0	0	0	0	1
Kingsley Coman 84'(Olivier Giroud) 94'	1	0	1	1	0
Léo Dubois	0	0	0	0	0
Ruben Aguilar	0	0	0	0	0
Clément Lenglet	0	0	0	0	0
Anthony Martial	0	0	0	0	0
Steve Mandanda	0	0	0	-	-
Mike Maignan	0	0	0	-	-

Goalkeepers	G	GC	SAV
Robin Olsen	0	4	4

Forwards	G	GA	S	FC	FW
Dejan Kulusevski	0	0	0	2	2
Marcus Berg 86'	0	0	0	3	3

Midfielders	G	S	FC	FW
Kristoffer Olsson	0	0	0	0
Emil Forsberg	0	1	1	0
Sebastian Larsson 87'	0	0	1	0
Viktor Claesson 66' 4'	1	1	1	2

Defenders	GA	S	FC	FW
Pierre Bengtsson	1	0	0	2
Marcus Danielson	0	0	0	0
Mikael Lustig 66'	0	0	0	1
Nilsson-Lindelöf 66'	0	1	1	1

Substitutes	G	S	FC	FW
Robin Quaison 66'(Viktor Claesson) 88'	1	2	1	0
Emil Krafth 66'(Mikael Lustig)	0	0	0	0
Filip Helander 66'(Nilsson-Lindelöf)	0	0	1	0
Alexander Isak 86'(Marcus Berg)	0	0	0	0
Jens Cajuste 87'(Sebastian Larsson)	0	0	0	1
Martin Olsson	0	0	0	0
Mattias Svanberg	0	0	0	0
Gustav Svensson	0	0	0	0
Ken Sema	0	0	0	0
Jordan Larsson	0	0	0	0
Kristoffer Nordfeldt	0	0	-	-
Karl-Johan Johnsson	0	0	-	-

90'+5'

Indeed, Sweden will fancy their chances of making the knockout stages next year; they'll be in Group E, with games in Bilbao and Dublin against Spain, Poland and Slovakia. France meanwhile have the arguably harder task of navigating Group F, with Portugal, Germany and Hungary in their way - though if they play at the top of their game, few sides may be able to stand up to them. Until then however, thank you for joining us - and enjoy the rest of the international break!

90'+5'

Sweden were spirited today - but the sheer class of this France side just prevailed in the end. They'll go away, lick their wounds, and be back for Euro 2020 next year. Their hosts will too - and they'll surely be among the favourites now to make it two major titles in a row.

90'+5'

An Olivier Giroud brace is the headline in Paris, as the evergreen striker takes two steps closer to the nation's all-time scoring record - and France take two major steps into the Nations League finals with victory over a frustrated Sweden side. Didier Deschamps' men did the job - and although the visitors looked to have found slim hope of a draw in the dying minutes, their final play backfired to allow Kingsley Coman the final say. At full-time at the Stade de France, it finishes France 4-2 Sweden.

90'+5'

FULL-TIME: FRANCE 4-2 SWEDEN

90'+4'

There's not many worse ways to concede a goal. Sweden are heading to the second tier of the Nations League; Croatia keep their place at the high table by the skin of their teeth.

90'+4'

GOAL! KINGSLEY COMAN FINDS AN EMPTY NET FOR FRANCE! 4-2! Oh, Sweden did not deserve that at the end. With a last-gasp free-kick out on the right flank, they pour everyone - includng Olsen - forward for the last-chance saloon, only for Kulusevski to put the set-piece straight to Digne, well wide of the defensive wall-turned-scrum. The Everton man flicks it to the breaking Coman, and he canters away into the opposite half before rolling a finish from outside the box into an open goalmouth. Game, set and match to Les Bleus.

90'+2'

Yellow Card Sebastian Larsson

90'+2'

That's the last thing the visitors need now as Forsberg crashes into Pavard in the French box and concedes the free-kick. That could well be curtains for Sweden.

90'

There's going to be four added minutes here - but it's full-time elsewhere in Group A3 and Croatia have lost to Portugal! If Sweden can snatch a draw here, they stay up and avoid relegation!

88'

Bengtsson fired that one back on instinct. There's a speculative effort, but either way, Sweden have given themselves the most unlikely sniff of survival.

88'

GOAL! ROBIN QUAISON PULLS ONE BACK FOR SWEDEN! 3-2! Are we in for a grandstand finish? Out of what seems to be nowhere, the visitors - who have toiled and toiled in coming down those wings today - find a second goal. They exchange crosses from right to left, and the latter - a lovely touch by Bengtsson - is crashed into the back of the net at close-range from bang in front by the substitute.

87'

Jens Cajuste is also introduced for the visitors in place of Larsson.

86'

Berg has played his part for Sweden and makes way for Alexander Isak now.

85'

Lloris now makes a fine diving collection as Sweden loft a probing cross towards the keeper's six-yard area.

84'

It will be the last act of Giroud for today too as Kingsley Coman takes his place.

82'

Another France attack, another Giroud attempt, and the striker pushes this one straight to Olsen's gloves.

80'

Janne Andersson may not be in the house today, but he'll be watching this performance keenly. Where does he look to fix his side's flaws? They've perhaps allowed themselves to be muzzled too easily today at points; France haven't had difficulties getting around them on the flanks too often either. There's work to be done.

78'

Steven Nzonzi is the latest fresh face to arrive for France, replacing Rabiot.

77'

Two years on, it's fair to say France have really nailed the Nations League this time, isn't it? A World Cup hangover may have hurt them two years ago but they've been on fire this time. As it stands, it may well be four new sides in the finals too; England and Portugal can't make it, and Switzerland are out of the running too. That'll be a treat next year after Euro 2020.

75'

Griezmann duly puts an effort over the bar himself now. France aren't happy with just three goals today.

73'

Giroud overruns a throughball from Griezmann in behind him, and it skips away for a goal-kick. The former's two efforts today have helped him close the gap on France's all-time goalscoring record, of course.

72'

It's not been that long since Sweden last beat France, curiously - they ran out 2-1 winners thanks to an injury time finish from Ola Toivonen in a World Cup qualifier in 2017.

70'

A quick update from elsewhere in Group A3 - it's now 2-2 between Croatia and Portugal. As it stands, Sweden are still going to be heading out unless they can find two goals from somewhere, while hoping that Croatia concede at least another one.

68'

One man who will be taking some confidence from his game today? Paul Pogba. Much has been made this international break by Deschamps of his relatively minor role for Manchester United in the Premier League this season, but the playmaker doesn't look to have lost his touch here when given the chance to flex his footwork.

66'

Goalscorer Claesson too is off for Sweden with Robin Quaison on in his place.

66'

Emil Krafth takes the place of Lustig at the back for the visitors.

66'

Sweden make a host of changes now as Lindelof is replaced by Filip Helander.

65'

Giroud continues to terrify Swedish defenders and his latest effort, a cross aimed for Mbappe, is almost bundled into the visitors' net by an errant touch from Lustig, forcing some quick work from Olsen.

63'

This has not been a bad performance by Sweden today, but it is also a world away from the game in September where they went toe-to-toe. Since that early concession, France have planted their weight on them and refused to let up.

61'

Sweden are admirably refusing to simply let this run away from them though, and Berg responds from the restart with a neat cross into the France box, seeking a header from any one of three different attackers. Lloris, however, has his gloves all over the ball before it can get near any of them.

59'

It's a lovely lofted pass from Mbappe and an excellent connection from Giroud to snap up that finish. Even as one of the elder statesmen of this team, the Chelsea man is still brilliant when it comes to value in attack.

59'

OLIVIER GIROUD BAGS A BRACE FOR FRANCE! 3-1! Kylian Mpabbe has barely been on the pitch two minutes and he already has an assist. Paul Pogba floats a wide cross from right to left to find the youngster and the PSG man's return delivery into the box is met by Giroud with a diving header, to push past Olsen. France well and truly out in front now.

58'

It will indeed be Thuram who makes way for Mbappe as France introduce the PSG attacker.

56'

There's a worry for the hosts now after Thuram stays down following a challenge and though he is back on his feet a moment later, he certainly appears to be nursing a knee problem. On the touchline, Kylian Mbappe is stripped and ready to appear at a moment's notice.

55'

The visitors come perilously close to unlocking a swift move through the middle and once more, the final pass goes straight to the feet of a stationary France player, with Pogba the man to seize the ball in this instance.

53'

Make that 10 for the hosts now, as Giroud just tucks a header around the wrong side of the right post following some smart build-up play from the right wing.

52'

France have registered nine shots in this match, compared to three from Sweden. They've certainly been the more lively in front of goal.

50'

Sweden have started this half with a bit more gumption in their attack, pressing high on the wings as they look for an equaliser. They will need some luck to avoid a Nations League drop by the end of the next hour.

48'

Digne gets a quick block in on Kulusevski out wide as the visitors look to cut in on a counter and then the latter fouls Kimpembe as he tries to make his way into the box.

45'+1'

Don't look now, Sweden fans; Croatia are leading Portugal too, thanks to a Mateo Kovacic effort just before the half-hour mark. As it stands, they will be staying in Tier A of the Nations League next time out - and Janne Andersson's side will be dropping down to Tier B.

45'+2'

A pair of fabulous finishes for Olivier Giroud and Benjamin Pavard helped France overturn an early deficit as Les Bleus roared back from behind to put themselves in the driving seat against Sweden at the Stade de France. Viktor Claesson handed the visitors an unlikely lead inside five minutes but it has been almost one-way traffic since then, as the World Cup holders responded in impressive fashion. They're not out of sight yet - but the hosts know their opponents face an uphill battle from here. At half-time, it's France 2-1 Sweden.

46'

Les Bleus also replace Hernandez at the back with Lucas Digne.

46'

The hosts have made some changes at the break with Kurt Zouma on for Varane.

46'

We're back underway for the second half in Paris. Can Les Bleus see this one out without any problems or will Sweden prove to be a thorn in their side?

45'+1'

HALF-TIME: FRANCE 2-1 SWEDEN

45'

Has Varane got off the hook there? Sweden feel they should have a penalty after the defender threw an arm across Kulusevski as he entered the hosts' box, sending him to the ground. The call is waved away, to the visitors' outrage. One added minute incoming.

43'

That latest France goal looks to have muzzled the burgeoning creativity Sweden were starting to show again but the visitors are pushing deep again, if to no avail.

41'

Both of these sides of course will be in the mix next year at Euro 2020 and both will harbour strong ambitions, particularly after their World Cup showings two years ago; Sweden, of course, made it to the quarter-finals where they were knocked out by England. Players on both sides will want to be impressing even this far out.

39'

Rabiot! From distance, the midfielder cracks a soaring strike that Olsen has to tip over the crossbar. Sensational stuff. The keeper deals with the subsequent set-piece though and Sweden survive this latest incursion from the hosts.

38'

It's a lovely finish and probably one that Olsen should have had covered to boot. The initial run came from Thuram, working his way around two defenders - but sadly, given the size of that deflection, he doesn't get an assist for his efforts.

36'

GOAL! BENJAMIN PAVARD HANDS FRANCE THE LEAD! 2-1! Remember that absolute blinder the Bayern Munich man scored at the World Cup in 2018 off the outside of his boot? This isn't as spectacular, but there's similarities to it. A French shot from inside the box ricochets off a Sweden defender and loops out towards the number two on the right edge of the box, and he catches it with the edge of his foot, putting enough weight behind it to drill a finish past Olsen into the far corner. France have the lead for the first time in Paris!

34'

Down the other end, it's Thuram again who drops a cross in seeking Giroud. Lindelof puts a muscular header into practice to clear the lines but France remain camped in Swedish territory.

32'

The visitors seem to have found a little bit more of a spring in their step. Claesson and Kulusevski combine now to push them into the final third once more and they help hold up the ball around the edge of Lloris' box before Hernandez deals with the problem.

30'

A golden chance for Berg! Sweden find themselves on the counter again and the striker is slipped a ball into the box. He just has Varane to get around, near the penalty spot, and the defender manages to dislodge him of possession before he can shoot.

28'

Now Olsson returns the favour of that Pogba challenge to the Manchester United playmaker, who crumples. It's enough for the first booking of the match.

27'

As if to highlight that stat, Sweden create a smart counter-attack down the left flank and promptly place the last pace straight to Varane.

25'

If there's one thing hurting Sweden when they have the ball at their feet, it's their passing so far. They're enjoying an 81 per cent success rate - but that's still well below the 90-plus figure France are achieving when they pick them off in the final third.

23'

Another shove now, this time from Pogba on Berg, with the Sweden man sent to the turf in midfield. Nothing comes of it in terms of a free-kick, but France gamely pump the ball long to Olsen to restart rather than attack themselves.

21'

The second corner comes flying in and France get a free-kick before it even hits the turf after Rabiot appears to go down softly.

20'

Lindelof and Varane go high to meet Sweden's first corner of the match and though the latter clears it for a second set-piece, he tales a knock in the process, requiring a spot of treatment.

18'

Didier Deschamps will be breathing a sigh of relief there. His side have responded magnificently but he will know that the longer a team can wait for a goal, the more it can drain them as they chase a result. To be on level terms again before even a quarter of this game is gone will please him.

16'

Thuram has been one of the busiest players on the pitch going forward so far and he's chosen an excellent pass there. Giroud leathered that finish with such power that it likely would have smashed a brick wall had it been in the way. Normal service, at least in the eyes of Les Bleus, is resumed.

16'

GOAL! OLIVIER GIROUD LEVELS THINGS UP FOR FRANCE! 1-1! It's a gorgeous free-flowing break from Griezmann down the middle, and he slots a ball out for Thuram wide on the left flank. The midfielder steps inside and cuts it back for the Chelsea forward, who turns on a dime and buries it from 15 yards or so out past Olsen at the near post with a rocket shot. Game on once again

14'

Sweden have just about had only that one attack inside the opening quarter-hour here, such is the dominance going forward that France have enjoyed since, They make a scrappy counter-attack now though, and Olsson chases the ball through to Lloris.

12'

Giroud! Again, the attacker forces a save - this one with a palmed glove - from Olsen as he nudges a cross towards the bottom-right corner. It wasn't a bad finish and it was far from a bad stop. Those two could be in for a tussle here.

10'

Lindelof heads out a ball from Hernandez and Giroud's distant header from the corner is gobbled up by Olsen under pressure from Pogba. Good work from the Sweden goalkeeper.

8'

That goal really has France fired up now, and they ping a flurry of consecutive deliveries into the visitors' 18-yard area. Sweden weather the storm and flick it away as far as midfield each time, but the hosts are handing them little respite.

6'

What a disaster of a start that is for Didier Deschamps! His side, so impressive these last few months by and large, were absolutely at sea there in getting that ball cleared. Thuram looks to make immediate amends and gets onto the end of a smart cross from the restart, just nudging it over the crossbar.

4'

GOAL! VIKTOR CLAESSON PUTS SWEDEN AHEAD! 1-0! It's a defensive horror-show from France! The visitors break smartly and slot a square pass into the hosts' box, which Pogba connects with. The ball trickles away from him and to the lurking Krasnodar man, who is allowed to dink in-between no less than three separate blue shirts and clip home, with a deflection off Varane helping to send Lloris the wrong way as it tumbles in. What a start for Sweden!

3'

Playing left to right today in that rather lovely navy strip, Les Bleus slot some neat pass work out from Kimpembe. Sissoko lofts a cross seeking Giroud on the far side but can't make the connection.

1'

We are underway in this Nations League clash between France and Sweden!

-

Thanks to the way the Nations League works of course, it's not been that long since these two last squared off. Kylian Mbappe - on the bench today - provided the difference in a close, perhaps unexpectedly taut encounter in September, when Sweden had more ball and shots than their visitors. If they can replicate those stats today, they might be in with a good shout of a big result.

-

Subs: Martin Olsson, Jordan Larsson, Alexander Isak, Karl-Johan Johnsson, Gustav Svensson, Filip Helander, Emil Krafth, Jens Cajuste, Mattias Svanberg, Ken Sema, Robin Quaison, Kristoffer Nordfeldt.

-

SWEDEN (4-4-2): Robin Olsen; Mikael Lustig, Victor Lindelof, Marcus Danielson, Pierre Bengtsson; Sebastian Larsson, Kristoffer Olsson, Viktor Claesson, Emil Forsberg; Dejan Kulusevski, Marcus Berg.

-

Subs: Clement Lenglet, Ruben Aguilar, Kylian Mbappe, Kingsley Coman, Kurt Zouma, Steven Nzonzi, Steve Mandanda, Anthony Martial, Lucas Digne, Leo Dubois, Mike Maignan.

-

FRANCE (4-4-2): Hugo Lloris; Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez; Moussa Sissoko, Paul Pogba, Adrien Rabiot, Marcus Thuram; Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud.

-

Having snapped up the winner in victory over Portugal last time out, Chelsea man N'Golo Kante is absent entirely from the matchday squad for France thanks to suspension. That being said, the hosts are not shot on talent, with Olivier Giroud in to lead the attack. Sweden meanwhile are without Ekdal Albin, while Marcus Danielson - who scored at both ends in the 2-1 win over Croatia last week - keeps his spot in defence.

-

A loss will also be unacceptable to Janne Andersson and his side too. They sit rooted to the bottom of A3 with Croatia, holding equal points and goal difference heading into this game. A result better than that of the 2018 World Cup finalists is the best way to avoid the drop - but that is sure to be a tall order. They'll need to be at their best today - and without their coach too, who is currently having to self-isolate.

-

Didier Deschamps has enjoyed a particularly fruitful return for his side since international football resumed a few months ago, with a recent second-string upset against Finland the only major black mark on his copybook. France's win over Portugal - who defeated them in the final of Euro 2016 - felt like a warning shot to their old rivals, who they will face next summer again in Group F, alongside fellow heavyweights Germany and Hungary. Defeat will be unacceptable here.

-

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt keenly this international break and their knock-on effects will ripple well on into next year; the second-ever Nations League finals will take place in October owing to the Euro 2020 reshuffle. But having underwhelmed two years ago, the world champions have been on scintillating form this time around and will hope to complete an unbeaten sweep of rivals against their visitors today.

-

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the UEFA Nations League as France look to seal an undefeated coronation en route to the finals next year against joint-bottom Sweden in Group A3 at the Stade de France in Paris.

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