A strong defense and effective offense were key to Sweden’s strength on its mission to repeat its past World Cup glory – as either a finalist, like in the 1958 World Cup on its home turf, or a third-place winner, like in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil and the 1994 World Cup in the US.
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REUTERS/LEE SMITH
Emil Forsberg celebrates Sweden\'s first goal during its match against Switzerland in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Tuesday, July 3,2018 at Saint Petersburg Stadium, Russia.
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – As it turns out, it has been wrong to consider the Swedish national soccer team the dark horse of this year’s World Cup. The conqueror of the Dutch and Italian teams in the group stage has now gained a ticket to the quarterfinals after defeating Switzerland, 1-0, at Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on Tuesday night (3/7/2018), Jakarta time.
A strong defense and effective offense were key to Sweden’s strength on its mission to repeat its past World Cup glory – as either a finalist, like in the 1958 World Cup on its home turf, or a third-place winner, like in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil and the 1994 World Cup in the US.
The Blagult (Blue-Yellow) team’s only goal was scored by Emil Forsberg in the 66th minute. The Swedish soccer star successfully exploited a gap in Switzerland’s defense line, left unguarded by Stephan Lichsteiner and Fabian Schaer, and unleashed a swift kick. The ball hit Swiss defender Manuel Akanji on the leg and ricocheted toward the Swiss goalpost. Swiss goalie Yann Sommer could not catch it in time and it was score one for Sweden.
REUTERS/ARND WIEGMANN
Fans watch the 2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Sweden and Switzerland at a public viewing event in front of a bar in Zurich, Switzerland, July 3, 2018. Sweden won 1-0.
Sweden had another chance for a goal. However, in minute 95, striker Ola Toivonen’s free kick from outside the penalty box was warded off by Sommer.
Sweden’s victory brought the two teams to equal standings, with 11 wins and seven ties.
During the match, Swedish midfielder Gustav Svensson, a substitute for Sebastian Larsson who could not play due to accumulation of yellow cards, played well against the pressures of Swiss midfielders. Sweden displayed tight defenses and swift attacks, like when it defeated Mexico 3-0.
The strategy was proven effective against Switzerland’s assaults led by Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka. Under coach Janne Andersson, the Swedish team is able to deploy effective strategies to frustrate Swiss players. Before the match, Andersson said that his players did not need beautiful playing styles. Nevertheless, they understood how to defend and attack effectively and efficiently.
AFP PHOTO/GABRIEL BOUYS
Sweden\'s fans celebrate at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and Switzerland at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on July 3, 2018.
For Swiss, the defeat prove coach Vladimir Petkovic’s worries before the game, when he said, “If we cannot unravel their defenses, we’ll be doomed.”
Scenario
The victory brought Sweden to the quarterfinals for the fifth time in its 12 World Cup participations. In the quarterfinals, Sweden will face either England or Colombia, whose match was held in early Wednesday in Moscow’s Spartak Stadium.
Sweden needs to watch out for English striker Harry Kane’s moves if it ends up facing England. In its three group stage matches, the Three Lions team captain scored five goals and became top scorer. Two of the goals were made against Panama from the penalty spot. Therefore, Sweden’s defenders must not be reckless and tackle English players inside the penalty box.
AFP PHOTO/JUAN MABROMATA
England\'s forward Harry Kane (left) scores a goal after shooting a penalty kick during the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Colombia and England at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on July 3, 2018.
Having scored eight goals with only three goals scored against throughout the group stage, England with its roster of young players has shown its sharp attack skills. Their attacks combine the grace of Jordan Henderson and the creativity and speed of Jesse Lingard, Raheem Sterling and Dele Alli in penetrating opponents’ defense through the sides. Defender John Stone is also skillful in air duels.
If England is defeated by Colombia, Sweden will need to watch out for striker James Rodriguez’s creative attacks. Attacker Radamel “El Tigre” Falcao will also be hungry for points after having scored just one goal. In its defenses, central defender Yerry Mina is the key. Having scored two goals in two matches, the 194-centimeter-tall player, 23, is also deft in helping attacks.
