France's captain Kylian Mbappe netted twice against Sweden.
Image: AFP
Captain Kylian Mbappé insisted France have completely united behind head coach Didier Deschamps following the tragic death of his mother, as a resounding 3-0 victory over Sweden on Tuesday night safely booked their place in the FIFA World Cup round of 16.
Mbappé scored two more goals to take his tournament tally to six, giving him an extraordinary 18 World Cup goals overall as France set up a blockbuster knockout meeting with Paraguay.
The Real Madrid superstar opened the scoring late in the first half at MetLife Stadium, before running directly over to the touchline to embrace Deschamps. The veteran tactician had only returned to the United States at the weekend following a brief trip back to France to attend his mother's funeral.
"I think that reflects the core spirit of this group — it's part of our DNA. We are all together," Mbappé told French broadcaster beIN Sports post-match.
"We know the coach has been through an incredibly difficult experience; unfortunately, everyone goes through that at some point and it's very hard. There are things that are far more important than football, but he needs to know — and he already does — that through this gesture from the entire squad, he will never be alone with us. Whatever happens, we will be right there to support him."
Deschamps had previously missed the 4-1 group-stage demolition of Norway last week in Foxborough after flying home. In his temporary absence, assistant coach Guy Stéphan took charge of the team, replicating a role he previously undertook during a UEFA Nations League fixture in 2022 following the passing of Deschamps' father.
The former France captain, who is scheduled to step down as head coach of Les Bleus at the conclusion of this World Cup after 14 decorated years at the helm, admitted he was deeply touched by his squad's emotional response.
"Obviously, on a deeply personal level, Kylian's gesture moved me a lot," Deschamps reflected. "He's our captain, and I'm not saying good things about him just for the sake of it, it's because he has been absolutely exemplary from day one.
"The group stayed entirely united, they did exactly what needed to be done when I wasn't present, and it was perhaps better for me and for them that I wasn't there at that moment. From the moment I came back, they knew I was fully with them. It is a very positive thing.
"The baseline mindset of a group doesn't necessarily win you matches on its own, but I know all too well that a bad one can make you lose them."