Sweden edge Korea Republic in tight Group F clash
(Courtesy : FIFA Media)
Captain Andreas Granqvist scored from the spot in the second half to seal the three points.
Following an absence of 12 long years, Sweden marked their return to the FIFA World Cup in style in the opening match of Group F. The desire of Janne Andersson’s charges was there for all to see as they emerged victorious over a disappointing Korea Republic.
The Swedes were rewarded for an enterprising performance in which they created a series of goalscoring chances. As much due to their own profligacy as to the opposition backline, the hoards of Scandinavian fans in Nizhny Novgorod were made to wait until the second half before the deadlock was broken.
Watch: Sweden 1-0 Korea Republic highlights
The Taeguk Warriors conceded a penalty in the 65th minute following confirmation by VAR, and Swedish captain Andreas Granqvist shouldered the responsibility, coolly converting the resulting spot kick.
Korea Republic pushed hard to find a way back into the game, but to no avail. Their disappointing series of results at the World Cup continues: they have now gone six matches without a win, a run that dates back to their victory over Greece in 2010.
Team Reporter Analysis
Alexandra Jonson (Sweden)
Creating goalscoring chances had been the main concerns surrounding the Swedish team ahead of this game. Carving out opportunities would not prove to be the problem, as the players were clearly eager to prove their critics wrong, but the ball did not want to go in, and in the end it took a penalty kick to secure the three points. A strong start for Sweden showed that they prepared well for their return to the global stage.
Hounche Chung (Korea Republic)
A deserved defeat for Korea Republic, who were second best in all aspects of the game. They failed to create any clear opportunities, their defending was sloppy and their passing game lacked fluency. The team may be disappointed, but now the players need to regroup and prepare for the next game.
ALSO READ
Russia look to continue impressive start against Egypt in Group AConfident Colombia take on Asian powerhouse Japan in Group H opener
How Iceland's inspirational story can be a valuable lesson for India
Man of the Match
Captain Andreas Granqvist marshalled the Swedish backline throughout the game, initiated countless attacks and took charge of scoring the penalty that gave his side victory.
The stat
60 - Sweden had built up something of a reputation for starting World Cups slowly over the past 60 years. They had not recorded victory in their opening game since a 3-0 win over Mexico in 1958, the tournament at which they would ultimately finish runners-up.
Latest News
- Manchester United in talks with Disney over multiple documentary deal
- UEFA approves expansion of squad to 26 players for Euro 2024
- ISL 2023-24 Semi-Final: Three Keys to Success for FC Goa and Mumbai City
- Unai Emery set to extend his Aston Villa contract until 2027
- "Romelu Lukaku is Chelsea player, we will pay attention," says Mauricio Pochettino
Trending Articles
- Rahim Saab & Asian Games: Maidaan keeps Indian football alive even at its worst times
- How is Des Buckingham doing at Oxford United?
- Mohun Bagan's Brendan Hamill, Dimitri Petratos distribute gifts to underprivileged children after ISL Shield win
- Indian Sports Calendar April 2024: Events to watch in second week of April
- How Lionel Messi could become minority owner at Inter Miami alongside David Beckham?
Editor Picks
- Rahim Saab & Asian Games: Maidaan keeps Indian football alive even at its worst times
- Top six clubs with most points in single Bundesliga season
- Top 10 favourites to win 2024 Golden Boy Award: Ranked
- Kalyan Chaubey believes I-League 3 to be 'transformative step for Indian football'
- Report: Des Buckingham reveals concepts he introduced at Mumbai City FC