Sweden’s swashbuckling World Cup run has come to an end after they lost 2-0 to England in Saturday’s quarter-final.
Some of the usual fighting spirit seemed to be lacking from Sweden’s players, who couldn’t reproduce their heroics with a semi-final berth on the line.
Here’s a look at how the players rated.
SWEDEN
Robin Olsen 5 – Olsen could have done better for both of England’s goals, even if they were powerful headers. A shaky display all-around.
Emil Krafth 5 – Looked completely at sea for England’s second goal, losing Dele Alli behind him. Sweden missed regular right-back Mikael Lustig in this game.
Victor Lindelof 6 – A disappointing end to an excellent tournament from the young Manchester United defender. Wasn’t at fault for either goal, but he’ll wonder if he could do better.
Andreas Granqvist 7 – The nature of England’s goals will grate on Sweden’s captain, as he saw his side concede from a corner and a cross. There wasn’t much he could have done in either case.
Ludwig Augustinsson 5 – Lingard and Sterling gave him a horrid time at left-back as he couldn’t handle the young England duo’s pace. The free-kick he blazed over towards the end was emblematic of his display.
Viktor Claesson 6 – Was solid but unspectacular on Sweden’s right flank, helping out defensively but not doing much from an attacking perspective.
Sebastian Larsson 5 – The veteran will be disappointed not to have had more of an impact. His passing wasn’t up to scratch and he rarely got into position to use his crossing to good effect.
Albin Ekdal 6 – Helped Sweden’s midfield retain some measure of shape but his lack of pace compared to some of England’s runners was shown up multiple times.
Emil Forsberg 5 – Perhaps the most shocking thing about Sweden’s chief creator being withdrawn with his side chasing two goals was that it was completely merited. A meek display.
Marcus Berg 7 – Another lively display from the forward, but his miserable World Cup continued as he saw chance after chance denied by England keeper Jordan Pickford.
Ola Toivonen 6 – A workmanlike performance but the striker posed little threat to England’s defence. Between him and Berg, Sweden were let down by their midfielders on the day.
SUBSTITUTES
Martin Olsson 6 – Was sent on when his side were already two goals down, leaving him in a difficult position to have a telling impact.
John Guidetti 6 – He was Sweden’s best striker in the game – not saying much. With only 25 minutes to make an impact while chasing two goals, it was a hill too high for Guidetti to climb.
Pontus Jansson 6 – Came on with barely any time left, with Sweden hoping for a miracle by then.
