France had already qualified for the Final Four by a win over Portugal, but for Sweden there was still something at stake. If it could do better than Croatia (at home against Portugal) it could avoid relegation.
The Swedes started well, with a quick goal from Claesson, albeit with a deviated ball. The French did not play at all with their B-team and so there was enough quality on the ground to rectify the situation.
Giroud, who failed to score a single scoring during the successful World Cup for the French, showed that a lack of match rhythm did not bother him. With 2 hits he brings his total to 44 international goals, 7 pieces away from the record of Thierry Henry.
After Quaison’s 3-2 it was still exciting and the Swedes played knight or wrong in the final phase. Goalkeeper Olsen pulled forward on a free kick, but thus heralded the doom. On the counter, Coman could easily score for an empty goal.
–
