Talking Points: Are Sweden one of the best defensive sides in the World Cup?

The Europeans upstaged the group's runaway leaders Mexico to spectacularly claim top spot on the final matchday

The Swedes got the better off the Mexicans in this Group F clash which was a crucial fixture for both the sides. The match ended in an unfavourable fashion for Mexico, but thanks to South Korea beating defending champions Germany, they qualified for the next round. Sweden are a largely physical side, but the level of counter-attacking prowess that they showed was quite eye-opening as they completely destroyed the Mexican defence. Second half goals from Ludwig Augustinsson and Andreas Granqvist as well as an Edson Alvarez own-goal saw them beat Mexico 3-0 and qualify as group winners.

Here are the five big talking points from the match.

Watch: Mexico 0-3 Sweden highlights

1. Both the sides are fiercely attacking lineups The game saw 35 total shots combined from both sides. Right from the first whistle, the teams were going at each other hammer and tongs.

The first half alone saw Mexico muster up 10 shots and Sweden nine. The teams looked completely fearless and their ideologies were to attack relentlessly. 2. Mexico failed to make the most of their opportunities

After surviving a dangerous wave of Sweden attacks, the Mexicans finally looked like they were settling down in the game, but off their 20 shots in total, only three actually tested Swedish keeper Robin Olsen.

Star men Hirving Lozano and Javier Hernandez were the two bright spots in what was a very dull day at the office for the Mexican frontline.

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3. Emil Forsberg is a top talent

The RB Leipzig midfielder has been tearing the Bundesliga apart with his performances down the middle and on the wings. He has largely gone under the radar because of the brilliance of Timo Werner, but Forsberg is the star attraction in this promising Swedish side.

The way he breaks defensive lines and splits the defenders with his passes is a treat to watch. Marcus Berg and Ola Toivonen are big men upfront who require top quality service and Forsberg gives them just that. 4. Sweden’s defensive lineup is one of the best at the World Cup

Sweden’s backline is one of the most balanced setups in this World Cup. All the four players across the line are really good on the ball and have a knack of finding the wingers with pinpoint accuracy with their long balls.

The perfect combination of speed and muscle has helped this side to limit the number of goals conceded to just two in the three matches that they’ve played so far. Not to forget Olsen, the man who is always on watch should the defenders slip-up, has been a revelation for Sweden in this tournament and has made very crucial saves when called upon. 5. Sweden and Mexico cannot afford to be complacent in the next round

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There were large parts of the game where both teams had the momentum with them. This was mostly due to both the sides switching off at times and being complacent with a missed pass which would then result in a counter-attack.

If there is a common link between both sides, it is their weak midfield. As we progress further into the competition, teams will be more clinical and that’s something these two sides have to focus on, if they aspire to go deeper in the tournament.