Sweden have reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time since 1994 after beating Switzerland 1-0 in a closely-fought game against fellow European side Switzerland.
Despite having a quiet game overall, Emil Forsberg was influential in his side’s victory, scoring the only goal and producing a vital defensive block.
Here’s a closer look at the Swedish midfielder’s performance.
KEY STATS
Goals – 1
Assists – 0
Shots – 3
Shots on target – 1
Pass accuracy – 82%
Key passes – 0
Dribbles – 1
30-SECOND REPORT
Without being spectacular, Forsberg had an impact at both ends of the pitch to lead Sweden to victory. He scored the only goal of the game, although that owed heavily to a deflection, but if that was lucky his intervention later in the game to block a goal-bound shot on the line was not. A match-winner in every sense.
GOT RIGHT
Passing – On a day where his overall impact was limited, Forsberg made sure to get the basics right: his passing was tidy and helped Sweden tick over possession when needed.
Defending – Sweden’s emphasis on collective defending applies to their star player as well. On Tuesday Forsberg did more than his fair share, clearing a shot off the line as Switzerland pushed for an equaliser.
GOT WRONG
Given Forsberg is the player Sweden turn to for inspiration, he didn’t get on the ball anywhere near enough. His 37 touches were as many as Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen had, and five other teammates topped that mark. He’ll need to be more active in seeking out the ball if he is to have a greater impact in Sweden’s quarterfinal.
VERDICT
This was far from a vintage display from Forsberg, but there was something typically Swedish about it nonetheless. It was a performance of graft, and, fittingly, his goal was also a scruffy one. Yet sometimes that’s exactly what wins big games – effort and a bit of luck. Sweden have been riding that formula at the World Cup, and Forsberg personified it on Tuesday.
RATING – 8/10
