#Match Report: Emil Forsberg Delivers Sweden to the Quarter Finals through a 1 – 0 Win Over Switzerland

Emil Forsberg scored a second half winner as Sweden book a quarter final place courtesy of a 1-0 win over Switzerland in an all European round of 16 World Cup affair. Both sides were cautious in their approach with none exhibiting great attacking plays from the onset. Ten minutes in there was Panic in the Swiss defence, as they make a mess of a goal-kick and gifted possession straight back to Sweden, specifically Berg. A crucial block from Manuel Akanji prevented Sweden from capitalizing on the defensive gaffe. Albin Ekdal followed up on the rebound, but shot high over the bar.

A minute later Shaqiri made a chance for Dzemaili who was through on goal but his shot was easily collected by the Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen. Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka was the next to create a chance as he attempted to release Ricardo Rodriguez down the left flank, but his pass was overhit. Switzerland were looking the better side towards the end of the half and could have scored following a swift counter attack but Shaqiri’s curled pass to Blerim Dzemaili was a bit too much and the ball rolled out for a Sweden goal kick.

Sweden should have scored five minutes from the break when Lustig crossed a delicious ball to an unmarked Albin Ekdal, who sidefooted high over the bar from about six yards out with the goal gaping. Half time found the score barren.

The second half was more of the same cagey affair with not much happening in terms of goal mouth action. Sweden upped the tempo and took the game to Switzerland and were duly rewarded. Emil Forsberg picked up a pass on the edge of the penalty area and hit a low drive that was destined to go straight in the direction of Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Swiss defender Manuel Akanji however stuck out a foot and the ball took a deflection resulting to it sailing past the completely wrong-footed keeper and Sweden went 1-0 ahead.

Switzerland surged forward in search of an equalizer and almost got one after mayhem in the Sweden box following a Shaqiri corner only for the ball to be cleared off the line. The Swedish held on to record a famous win while setting up a meeting with either Colombia or England in the quarter finals.