Sweden managed to beat Switzerland in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup. The success resulted in some interesting facts. One of them is the curse of the curse that has been settled for half a century.
The course of the Swiss counter-Switzerland match took place dramatically at St. Petersburg, Tuesday 3 July. Switzerland who dominated possession and got more chances even conceded in the second half.
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Emil Forsberg is able to score the only goal in the game. The process can be said by accident because long-distance kick Forsberg had hit the foot of Swiss defender before entering into the goal.
The long whistle marks the end of the game as well as signify the success of Sweden qualify for the quarterfinals. The victory also means more than just making them the eight best contestants so far in the 2018 World Cup.
The victory over Switzerland made Sweden for the first time since the 1958 World Cup could win two consecutive matches. At that time, they won in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. Amazingly, Agne Simonsson and his friends defeated the world's soccer powers in that period, the Soviet Union and West Germany.
Unfortunately the thousand dear, in the final game, foster children George Raynor, legendary coach from England, fallen by Brazil. Playing in front of tens of thousands of supporters at the Råsunda Stadium, Solna, Sweden was arrested with a pretty conspicuous score, 5-2.
On the other hand, the 1958 World Cup final was Sweden's best achievement throughout their participation in the four-year competition. His latest best achievement was at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, where they broke through the semi-finals, and drew him, beaten by Brazil also by a thin score of 0-1.
In the 1994 World Cup, Sweden were able to win over Saudi Arabia in the last 16 and Romania in the semi-finals. However, victory over Romania was won through the penalty shootout, so it was not considered as a two-game winning streak.
There are a number of other interesting facts behind Sweden's victory over Switzerland. Here Medcom.id summarizes it.
Emil Forsberg Open Goal Taps
The single goal scorer, Emil Forsberg could be the most relieved player in the 2018 World Cup. How not, after 14 attempted kicks (including those blocked by opponents), he was finally able to break his goal fast at the World Cup.
The 10-backed player also made Sweden coach Janne Andersson relieved. Until the match against Switzerland, his team is the only top eight participant (other than England or Colombia) with the least amount of ball possession (average 37.7 percent per game). But interestingly, they became the most effective team.
Andersson used to play two strikers up front. However, the scorers list is evenly distributed - not just dominated strikers. The proof, Andreas Granqvist (defender) became the top score while Sweden with two goals.
Experience Compete at the World Cup
The match against Switzerland became Sweden's 50th match in their history of World Cup participation. It makes them the second country with the largest collection of matches after Mexico (58).
Interestingly, both teams have never lifted the World Cup trophy. Will this year be Sweden's year?
Draw in the First Round, Sweden's Victory Sign
In the Swiss counter, the first half ended with a 0-0 draw. For Sweden, this is a positive trend.
It's been three times since Sweden drew in the first round at this 2018 World Cup (vs South Korea, vs Mexico, vs Switzerland). The result, they managed to win the game until the final whistle.
When meeting Germany, Sweden were able to score first and win in the first round. Uniquely, they even lost the game
