Sweden through to quarterfinals

– Sweden reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 24 years after Emil Forsberg’s deflected shot earned a scrappy 1-0 win over Switzerland yesterday.

This was far from a classic and if Colombia or England’s players were watching from Moscow, they could be forgiven for feeling bullish about their prospects in the last eight.

Forsberg’s second-half strike, which deflected off the unfortunate Manuel Akanji, means Sweden are through to the World Cup last eight for the first time since 1994 in the United States.

Switzerland’s Michael Lang was sent off in injury-time for a last-ditch push on Martin Olsson and referee Damir Skomina downgraded his penalty to a freekick on the edge of the area. But the game was already up.

“I’m so proud to see what we’re achieving together,” Forsberg said. “It brings tears to my eyes.”

Sweden’s route to the quarters has not been easy. They saw off both the Netherlands and Italy in qualifying, before finishing above Germany and Mexico in Group F.

What they have lost in the individual brilliance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they appear to have gained in grit, determination and collective spirit. Their next opponents would be foolish to take them lightly.

“The team fighting for the team is what prevails out on the pitch,” Sweden’s coach Janne Andersson said.

The one blemish on the victory was a yellow card for defender Mikael Lustig, who will now be suspended for the quarterfinal in Samara on Saturday.

Both sides had been hampered by suspensions, too, with Switzerland more badly affected. They were without both Fabian Schaer and captain Stephan Lichtsteiner at the back, prompting Johan Djourou and Lang to come in.

For Sweden, Gustav Svensson replaced Sebastian Larsson in midfield.

After back-to-back penalty shootouts, Brazil versus Mexico and Belgium’s pulsating comeback against Japan, there was always a danger this last-16 tie would struggle to deliver, even on low expectations.

It was a contest that lacked quality. –