France 3–0 Sweden, Ericson on the defensive identity lost

France 3–0 and Sweden are out

Your World Cup ended in the round of 32. France 3–0 Sweden at MetLife Stadium, and the gap was visible from the first minute (1) (2) (3).

Håkan Ericson, the former U21 coach, did not sugarcoat it. "We have lost a fair bit of our identity defensively," he said after the match (1). France swept through their group and carried that momentum straight into this tie (2).

"A reality check", Ericson on what went missing

Ericson pointed to the defensive structure that used to define Sweden. It was not there against France. No late resistance, no set-piece threat, no moment where the match felt alive. Just a clean elimination (1).

Where Sweden land in the power rankings

The Guardian's post-round power rankings place Sweden firmly among the departed, while France sit at the top alongside Kylian Mbappé, who said he wants "to enjoy this World Cup to the fullest" (2). Michael Olise also featured prominently for a France side now heading into the last 16 as tournament favorites (2).

Fan reactions

Swedish supporters traveled in numbers to New Jersey, and the atmosphere in the stands was never the problem. Online, the mood is split between frustration at the performance and pride in reaching the knockout stage from a tough group. Read the full discussion on r/soccer.