VAR assists Swedish win

Sweden got the break they needed from the video review system, and team captain Andreas Granqvist didn't waste the chance.

Granqvist slid his penalty kick into the bottom right corner of the net in the 65th minute to give Sweden a 1-0 victory over South Korea on Monday at the World Cup.

"I was calm. I waited for the goalie and then I put it in the corner," Granqvist said. "We got the penalty, we scored, and then it was just a fight to the end."

The Swedes were awarded the penalty after referee Joel Aguilar consulted a video screen on the sideline following an appeal by the Swedish players. Aguilar had originally waved play on after South Korea substitute Kim Min-woo collided with Viktor Claesson in the area. But he changed his mind after taking another look, deciding Kim had tripped Claesson as he tried to clear the ball in a sliding tackle.

Sweden had been the better team for much of the game — and finished with 15 attempts on goal to South Korea's five — but couldn't beat goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo until the penalty.

Sweden are now tied for first place in Group F with Mexico, who beat Germany 1-0 and will next face the Germans on Saturday, while South Korea play Mexico on the same day.