World Cup 2018 - Game 55 - Unfashionable Round of 16 Game, Sweden beats Switzerland 1-0

Sweden were surprise winners of Group F after demolishing Mexico in the final group game. I doubt there were many people outside of Sweden that gave them a realistic shot of even making the second round. Switzerland finished second in Group E behind Brazil (of course). The issue in the first round is that they gave up quite a few goals.

Statistically, Switzerland looked better on paper. That's on paper. Sweden had the better chances in the first half. Switzerland keeper, Yann Sommer made a nice save on a Albin Ekdal shot. Ekdal wasted two other great Sweden chances. Sweden broke through with the only goal at 66'. Ola Toivonen laid a ball off for Emil Forsberg at the top of the box. Forsberg dribbled to the semi-circle and took a shot that was deflected into the top of the goal. The goal was credited to Forsberg, but should have been credited as an own goal to Manuel Akanji. Switzerland had some late chances, but nothing came of it.

Sweden moves on to the quarterfinals to face the winner of Columbia v England. This is probably a dream run for Sweden. Switzerland were very talented, but this was probably as far as they realistically should have gone.