Viktor Gyokeres said what Erling Haaland refused to say about facing France

Viktor Gyokeres' Sweden comes up against France in the World Cup Round of 32, which means that another Arsenal player will be coming home today. However, unlike Erling Haaland, Gyokeres was at least a little optimistic about Sweden's chances.

"We have to be at our best," Gyokeres started. "We have to do our defensive organisation almost perfect and, then, of course, take the chances we're going to get in the game."

Gyokeres will be largely responsible for taking those chances that Sweden are going to get. Standing in his way, of course, is Arsenal teammate William Saliba.

Gyokeres said: "I'm looking forward to seeing [William Saliba and playing against him. It's going to be fun."

Viktor Gyokeres is confident, whereas Erling Haaland was realistic

It is quite hilarious to listen to the difference in how Gyokeres and Haaland spoke about facing France. Haaland admitted that he didn't care about facing France and that Les Bleus would probably win the entire tournament. I mean, at least he's honest.

Norway learned the hard way that France is no pushover. Haaland did not play in that game, which perhaps explains why he couldn't care about it.

Gyokeres, on the other hand, will absolutely be starting for Sweden tonight. He has been their most important player, and in a stark contrast to his Arsenal days, he played every single available minute for Sweden in the three group stage games.

Whoever wins between Sweden and France will go on to face Paraguay in the Round of 16. Say what you like about the underdog nations this tournament, but that is an incredible opportunity to progress to the quarter-finals.

Despite Gyokeres' confidence, France are clearly the favourites to win this tie. As we've seen in some games, though, this could play into Sweden's hand if they play their cards right.

With a goal and two assists to his name in the group stage, Gyokeres has every right to feel confident. Last season, he disproved the biggest myth about him, that being that he cannot score against big teams or in big games.

Gyokeres played well against the bigger sides last time out, and he proved to the world why Arsenal signed him.

Sweden are not expected to progress, but if they do the unthinkable and knock out one of the tournament's favourites, then we'd hazard a pretty safe guess that Gyokeres will have something to do with it.

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