Pogba and Payet help France beat Sweden

Two stars currently competing in the Premier League scored to help France win 2-1 at home in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

Payet and Pogba took turns shining to help France take sole possession of the top spot. Photo: Reuters.

Goals: Pogba (57'), Payet (65') - Forsberg (54').

Playing at home at the Stade de France, France were unexpectedly doused by Sweden at the start of the second half. Emil Forsberg took a "Ronaldo-style" free kick that left goalkeeper Hugo Lloris rooted to the spot as Sweden opened the scoring.

However, coach Janne Andersson's team only kept the joy for three minutes. France quickly equalized after Pogba headed in a free kick from Payet on the left wing. This was Pogba's second consecutive goal for the French team after the decisive goal against the Netherlands in the previous round. Last weekend, the world's most expensive player also scored in Man Utd's 3-1 victory over Swansea.

Payet was the one who created the equalizer for France and he was the player who sealed the 2-1 victory. The midfielder, who is struggling with West Ham in the Premier League, easily put the ball into an empty net after a messy situation in the 18-yard box.

The victory over direct rival Sweden helped France break away from Group A - the 2018 World Cup qualifying round in Europe. France has moved up to the top position with 10 points, while Sweden is stuck in second place with seven points.

The Netherlands are in third place with four points, and can completely take over second place from Sweden after the fourth round. On November 13, the Netherlands only have to play away against Luxembourg, who are considered the underdogs, and a big win is within reach of the "Orange Storm".

According to VNE