Viktor Gyokeres praised Kylian Mbappe as an 'incredible player' after the French superstar scored twice to eliminate Sweden from the FIFA World Cup in a one-sided Round of 32 clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Mbappe's Masterclass Ends Sweden's Run
Mbappe opened the scoring with a magical solo goal, dancing past Gyokeres before bending a shot into the bottom corner. He later added the third goal, completing his third two-goal performance in three World Cup starts. Bradley Barcola scored the second, while Michael Olise provided two assists for France.
The defeat ended a long season for Gyokeres, who had won the Premier League with Arsenal but lost in the Champions League final. Sweden's hopes of a deep tournament run were dashed by a dominant French side that looks like the team to beat.
Gyokeres on Mbappe and France's Attack
After the match, Gyokeres told reporters: 'He's an amazing player, of course. I don't need to say something to him. I think he knows it and he's done this for a lot of years now. He shows it here again, and he's an incredible player, of course.'
Gyokeres also praised France's fluid attack: 'They rotate with a lot of players. They come in different positions. They're not static, know each other well in how they move and the connection between each other. Of course, when they have that quality and have that movement, it's going to be tough.'
Analysis of the First Goal
Speaking in Swedish to Aftonbladet, Gyokeres broke down Mbappe's opening strike: 'They play a short corner. We knew that. We're not quick enough out there. So he folds in quickly and puts it in the far corner. It was well done (by Mbappe).'
France now advance to the Round of 16, while Sweden head home after a single knockout match. Mbappe, who shared an emotional moment with coach Didier Deschamps after his first goal, continues to lead France's charge for a second consecutive World Cup title.
