Sweden's battling spirit shines again and other talking points from 1-0 win over South Korea

Aditya Devavrat 21:37 18/06/2018
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  • Sweden earned a well-deserved victory.

    Sweden earned a hard-fought win against South Korea in the two teams’ World Cup opener on Monday.

    Captain Andreas Granqvist slotted home a penalty after a long VAR consultation by the referee to give Sweden a 1-0 victory that took them to joint-top place in Group F alongside Mexico.

    Here’s a look at the talking points from the game.

    SWEDEN CONTINUE TO BATTLE FOR RESULTS

    Sweden’s qualification for the World Cup was built on the back of fighting displays, and although South Korea aren’t the same as vanquished play-off opponents Italy, the same quality was on show on Monday.

    In a game where they dominated possession, which can subdue a team’s battling qualities, Sweden found a way to bring out their best, tiring Korea out with their efforts and discipline. Sweden may not overwhelm teams, but they can wear them down.

    It’s a formula that brought them to the World Cup, and now that they are joint-leaders of their group, that same formula can lead them further.

    Sweden had to battle for victory - which is exactly how they like it.

    Sweden had to battle for victory – which is exactly how they like it.

    SON CAN’T GO IT ALONE

    Heung-min Son bears a heavy burden for his national team. Short of the quality of team-mates he has at club level with Tottenham, he has to serve as chief creator, main goalscoring threat, and inspirational totem all in one.

    Perhaps the awareness of his responsibility weighs him down, or he’s simply trying to figure out how to adapt to it, but on Monday he tried too hard to live up to the expectation placed upon him. It seemed as if he’d decided that going it alone was his best option. But for Korea to succeed, he’ll need to trust his team-mates more.

    Son may be being worn down by the burden he carries for South Korea.

    Son may be being worn down by the burden he carries for South Korea.

    SWEDEN NOW SEE ROUTE TO KNOCKOUT STAGES

    Mexico’s win over Germany threw this group wide open, and Monday’s match was a case of seeing which team would be able to take advantage. Sweden grabbed the opportunity with aplomb, and now they’ll be fancying their chances to qualify for the knockout stages.

    Even if Germany weren’t struggling, a Sweden side that beat Italy to get to the World Cup would have gone into their next game with confidence. As it is, the champions seem to be vulnerable, and Sweden can think about more than just escaping with a point. A win would all but seal qualification.

    Sweden have a clear route to the knockout stages now.

    Sweden have a clear route to the knockout stages now.

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