Sweden dominates Mexico, 3-0, but both head to knockout round

YEKATERINBURG, RUSSIA — Sweden was so dominant against Mexico at soccer’s World Cup that the best Mexican play of the night was made about 965 kilometres away by South Koreans.

The Swedes rolled to a 3-0 rout Wednesday, never challenged in the second half, overtaking Mexico to win Group F just four nights after a gut-wrenching last-minute loss to Germany.

But the result, combined with South Korea’s 2-0 upset of the Germans, meant Sweden and Mexico — the group runner-up — advanced.

The defending champions from Germany go home early.

Sweden makes its first appearance in the knockout stage since 2006. Mexico plays in the round of 16 for the seventh straight World Cup, with its fans desperate for its first quarter-final appearance in 32 years — the elusive “quinto partido,” or fifth game.

Sweden didn’t want to focus on getting revenge by helping eliminate Germany, which got some favourable calls in a tense 2-1 victory over the Swedes on Saturday night.

“We grew another little bit,” Sweden coach Janne Andersson said. I am not going to sit here and gloat having won a match or boast about a win. We don’t want to stir things up too much.”

Ludwig Augustinsson volleyed a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa from close range five minutes into the second half, and captain Andreas Granqvist converted a penalty kick to help Sweden take control.

Mexico’s Edson Alvarez had an own goal in the 74th minute to put the game out of reach at 3-0.

It capped an emotional week for the Blue-Yellow. The team made a unified statement Sunday defending teammate Jimmy Durmaz from criticism and racist attacks after his late foul led to a free kick that won the game for Germany.

As Sweden’s lead grew, Mexican fans paid more attention to the other game, rooting against Germany, which could have passed Mexico with a victory depending on tiebreakers.

El Tri’s faithful could be seen frantically checking their phones for scoring updates from Germany’s game soon after Sweden’s second goal.

After South Korea’s first goal, they let up a loud cheer and tossed drinks in the air as their chances of advancing improved.