Sweden edge Korea Republic in tight Group F clash

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.

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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.