Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 scored the winning goal as France earned untidy 1-0 win at Sweden in the Nations League on Saturday.<\/p>\n
The Paris Saint-Germain striker\u2019s 14th international goal came in the 41st minute, but it could have been more comfortable for France.<\/p>\n
Mbapp\u00e9 cut in from the left and, after initially being tackled, he got the ball back off Kristoffer Olsson, feinted, and then curled the ball inside the post.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a tough match and we fought hard. It wasn\u2019t easy \u2026 it could be better in the future,\u201d Mbapp\u00e9 said. \u201cThe most important thing is the result.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was an accomplished finish from Mbapp\u00e9, following his 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on Aug 23.<\/p>\n
France coach Didier Deschamps handed a debut to 21-year-old Leipzig center half Dayot Upamecano and recalled Adrien Rabiot to midfield, after a long spell out of the side following his refusal to be on the reserve list for the 2018 World Cup.<\/p>\n
Chances were scarce in the first half but veteran Sweden striker Marcus Berg almost broke through late on, only for France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to deny him by rushing off his line. Moments later, Sweden \u2018keeper Robin Olsen was picking the ball out of the net.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was difficult for us, but for them as well,\u201d Deschamps said. \u201cWe could have done a bit better going forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
Still, France was in control of the second half, with Mbapp\u00e9 and Barcelona\u2019s Griezmann wasting good chances before Lloris punched away a late effort from the lively Emil Forsberg.<\/p>\n
Griezmann then blazed a poor penalty over the bar after substitute Anthony Martial was fouled.<\/p>\n
France hosts Croatia at Stade de France on Tuesday in a repeat of the World Cup final two years ago, which France won 4-2 with Mbapp\u00e9 among the scorers.<\/p>\n
In the group\u2019s other game, Croatia lost 4-1 at defending Nations League champion Portugal.<\/p>\n
Portugal hit the post three times before Jo\u00e3o Cancelo\u2019s opener shortly before the break.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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