Tournament favorites France bring their record-breaking attack to the knockouts, but a Swedish side led by Anthony Elanga aims to exploit fatigue and pull off a massive upset.
It would probably be fair to say that France have looked the best team so far in the group stage, winning all three games comfortably, scoring at least three goals in each of their last four World Cup games, a joint all-time record. They achieved a perfect group stage for the first time since 1998, when they won the tournament
Les Blues' incredible attack has been the most fun to watch with all the high quality attackers have lived up to the hype. Last time against Norway, it was Ousmane Dembele who stole the show, when he scored the second-earliest World Cup hat-trick of all time, with the PSG forward taking a trio of beautiful finishes.
Despite his hat-trick, Dembele is only the joint top scorer of this France side, who are joint top scorers this World Cup, with the captain Kylian Mbappe has also scored four times, twice against Iraq and Senegal. With him hunting Lionel Messi's record of all-time World Cup goals.
Michael Olise has also been key to this France team with his creative brilliance, already having three assists to his name, putting him joint top. He has also has created the most big chances so far, and will be looking to add to that record in the knockouts.
Sweden may have had one of the more tumultuous runs during this World Cup, with them sending out a statement 5-1 victory over a Tunisia side who were quick to sack their head coach after that result.
After their 5-1 win, it was a 5-1 defeat that followed when Netherlands performed a demolition job over Blågult, which saw Brian Brobbey grab a brace.
They needed just one point to qualify as one of the best third place teams and a 1-1 draw against an exciting Japan side was enough to get the Swedes over the line, setting them up against the tournament favourites in a round of 32 clash.
Anthony Elanga is the first Sweden player to score in consecutive World Cup matches since 1994, with his goals against Netherlands and Japan and will look to continue this rich vein of form, if they are to complete this upset. Sweden haven't kept a clean sheet in 14 matches, one stat that Les Blues will be eyeing up.
The winner of this game will set up a mouth-watering match against Germany, so the winner of this tie knows they have their work cut out for them if they can qualify.
Team News
France did only play four days ago, and put a very strong side out against Norway to ensure they top the group. So there may be a bit of fatigue in the French side, with Olise, Dembele and Mbappe starting all three of the group games.
Marcus Thuram is a doubt for this game, with the Inter Milan striker having a calf injury, which could rule him out of the round of 32 affair.
Sweden will not be looking to make overhaul changes from their draw against Japan, with the frontline of Victor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak and Anthony Elanga, which may cause Les Blues' backline issues.
Centre half Isak Hien came off injured early on in the Japan game with a suspected hamstring injury, with it looking like his World Cup may be over. This may introduce someone like Lucas Bergvall, who came on in the Japan gam when Hien was injured.
Key Battles
Alexander Isak vs Jules Kounde
Sweden's power on the counter-attack is going to be the way they can cause France the most problems, and the directness of Isak will require Kounde to be very careful that he doesn't get caught out by the Liverpool forward.
Ousmane Dembele vs Gabriel Gudmondsson
The hat-trick by Dembele last time out was a fair reminder to the wider footballing world why he is the current Ballon d'Or holder, every time he got the ball something was happening and it was an incredible performance. The Leeds defender needs to be tight on Dembele, as Norway gave him too much space and that's how he caused the damage he did.
Kylian Mbappe vs Victor Lindelof
The Les Blues captain has been on fine form, having six goal contributions in three games, and will be looking to add to this against a defensively naïve Blågult side.
Prediction
France 3-2 Sweden
Sweden are suited really well to hurt this France side, their pace and directness on the counter-attack will give them chances, and despite France only conceding once in their opening three I do think there are small defensive questions over this team.
I do think France have the power on the attack to get through this game, any team with Olise, Dembele and Mbappe will score goals and I think they will best Blågult in this round of 32 thriller.
