Sweden player ratings as Emil Forsberg fires them past Switzerland and into World Cup quarter-finals

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  • Sweden’s incredible run at the World Cup has extended to a quarter-final berth as they defeated Switzerland 1-0 in the round of 16.

    Emil Forsberg scored the only goal of the game in the 66th minute at the Krestovsky Stadium when his shot from outside the box took a deflection off Manuel Akanji.

    Here, we rate the performances of the Sweden players.

    STARTING XI

    Robin Olsen – A couple of routine saves to make but nothing spectacular until Haris Seferovic tested him in stoppage time with a header. 6

    Mikael Lustig – Delivered a superb cross to the back post for Sweden’s best chance of the first half. Otherwise careless with his passing but good in defence. 6

    Victor Lindelof – Rock solid at the back and good on the ball. A good driving run in the build up to Sweden’s goal. 7

    Andreas Granqvist – His incredible form at the World Cup continues as another inspirational performance kept Switzerland at bay. Impressed with his distribution as well. 7

    Ludwig Augustinsson – Had to be alert as he tried to cope with Xherdan Shaqiri down his side while Forsberg often ventured forward and largely coped well. 6

    Viktor Claesson – Lucky to avoid a booking for simulation inside the box. Created a couple of openings and intercepted well at times but also guilty of giving possession away cheaply. 6

    Gustav Svensson – Deputising for the injured Sebastian Larsson, he managed to carry the ball forward on a couple of occasions and kept it simple with his passing. 6

    Albin Ekdal – He was Sweden’s most composed in possession but skied a glorious opportunity over the bar when he stole in unmarked at the far post. 6

    Emil Forsberg – Was the chief threat in attack for his side and involved in virtually all of their ventures into Switzerland’s final third. Looked dangerous on the break and wriggled away from defenders well. Got a the goal with a stroke of luck as his shot from outside the box was deflected in. 8

    Ola Toivonen – Forced the keeper into a decent save with his late free-kick and squared the ball to Forsberg for the goal earlier. 7

    Marcus Berg – A couple of great chances fell to him in the first half but his finishing let him down. 5

    SUBS

    Martin Olsson – Replaced Forsberg late on won the free-kick on the edge of the area that saw Michael Lang sent off. N/A

    Emil Krafth – Came on for Lustig in the 82nd minute and helped in crowding out Breel Embolo on a couple of occasions. N/A

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