Emil Forsberg was the hero for Sweden as his solitary strike earned his team a place in the quarter finals in the ongoing World Cup. Sweden have conceded twice in their last six outings, keeping out Mexico, Korea and Italy in the play offs and it was their valiant and brave defending that further delayed Switzerland’s wait for a goal in the knockouts since 1954.
The first half was a rather cagey affair, both teams failing to score despite creating half chances.
It was Switzerland though that went knocking in the second half, Xhaqiri and left back Rodriguez sending in a couple of dangerous crosses that the Swiss were unable to finish allowing Sweden to score against the run of play, Forsberg’s shot deflecting off Manuel Akanji to send Sommer the wrong way and give Sweden the lead.
Hard tackles throughout the game saw temperature rising on the field making the center referee brandish a total of 8 yellow cards; the Colombians amassing 6 of the cautions in the match.
Colombia missed the services of star midfielder, James Rodriguez, who was restricted to the stands, his fitness proving a major stumbling block.
It was Eric Dier’s moment to steal the headlines as he confidently scored the final penalty in a nerve wracking shootout to hand the Three Lions their first ever win on penalties at the World Cup. England will now take on Sweden in their quarter final match as 16 nations now trimmed to 8.
