Sweden 1 Switzerland 0: Forsberg’s the hero in St Petersburg

Jul 3, 2018

Swedes will face Colombia or England in the World Cup quarter-finals

Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images

Sweden midfielder Emil Forsberg celebrates his goal against Switzerland

Sweden 1 Switzerland 0

Sweden have qualified for the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1994 after a cagey 1-0 win against Switzerland.

Emil Forsberg scored the winning goal after 66 minutes after his shot was deflected in off the foot of defender Manuel Akanji to give Swiss keeper Yann Sommer no chance.

On Fifa rankings Switzerland, No.6 in the world, started as favourites against Sweden, who are placed 24th. Both sides had plenty of chances to make the breakthrough before Forsberg’s winner, but were unable to keep calm in front of goal.

The BBC reports there were 30 shots during the match but only seven on target.

There was drama in the final minute when Sweden counter-attacked and Martin Olsson raced clear. Michael Lang brought Olsson down and a penalty was given, but after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR) a free-kick was then awarded. Lang received a red card for the foul.

Sweden will now play Colombia or England in the World Cup quarter-finals.