You can watch the Live Stream of Sweden Vs South Korea via beIN SPORTS CONNECT

Match Report

Andreas Granqvist's VAR-assisted penalty handed Sweden a deserved 1-0 World Cup win over South Korea at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Monday.

The win takes Janne Andersson's side joint top in Group F with Mexico after their shock win over reigning champions Germany.

The European side was dominant throughout and was twice denied by goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo before another dramatic intervention by VAR shortly after the hour.

Substitute Kim Min-woo appeared to have hacked down Viktor Claesson, and, after initially waving away furious appeals from Swedish players, referee Joel Aguilar consulted VAR and eventually pointed to the spot.

South Korea were disappointing throughout, with star man Son Heung-min unable to demonstrate any of the threat that has made him a firm favourite with Tottenham fans in recent seasons.

Sweden now have the chance to all but knock Germany out of the tournament on Saturday, while South Korea face Mexico desperately needing a win to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the knock-out stages.

Sweden started without Victor Lindelof after the Manchester United defender fell ill overnight, with his replacement Pontus Jansson and the rest of the defence scarcely tested by a tepid South Korean attack in the early stages.

Granqvist was denied a shot at goal by a superb last-ditch interception by Kim Young-gwon in the game's first notable moment before Marcus Berg squandered a golden opportunity to hand his side the lead midway through the half.

The Al Ain striker ghosted in at the back post to meet Ola Toivonen's low ball, but his effort was too close to Cho Hyun-woo, who kept it out with his leg and then punched away the loose ball.

The all-action Kim was in the thick of the action again soon after, throwing himself in front of Berg's scuffed effort from a corner, while Claesson saw a header deflected narrowly over on the stroke of half-time.

In a bright start to the second half, both sides exchanged chances within the first six minutes.

First, Emil Forsberg flashed a shot over after a flowing counter-attack before Koo Ja-cheol sent a header into Robin Olsen's side netting as South Korea belatedly woke from their slumber.

A teasing free-kick from Sebastian Larsson was met by the head of Toivonen soon after, but once again it was too close to Cho, who was able to parry away.

Sweden then got the breakthrough their positive approach deserved after Kim's clumsy challenge on Claesson. A surprising choice to take the spot-kick, Granqvist coolly slotted into the bottom corner for his seventh international goal.

Hwang Hee-chan spurned a glorious opportunity late on, heading wide from 10 yards out, as Sweden ultimately held on for a precious three points.

Highlights

After some VAR fun. Sweden takes the lead from the penalty spot. Captain Andreas Granqvist slots it away! 

We have team news! Marcus Berg leads the line for Sweden, whilst Tottenham midfielder Son Heung-min starts for South Korea which is nice. 

TEAM NEWS // We have the teams for #SWEKOR... 👀#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/l6e1oCpBc8 — FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 18, 2018

Hello! Welcome to the Live Updates of  Sweden Vs South Korea. Follow the blog to get all the latest updates from Sweden's Group F Opener!

Preview

Sweden will be hoping to kick-start their Group F campaign with a victory, but face a tough test against a South Korean side who are appearing at their ninth consecutive World Cup. You can watch Live & Exclusive streaming of the match from the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium via beIN SPORTS CONNECT. 

Sweden pulled off a major scalp in reaching the World Cup, by knocking out Italy over two legs to book their place in Russia. Getting out of Group F is a realistic target for the Swedes but will have a tough time against experienced campaigners South Korea & Mexico along with defending World Champions Germany.  

English program information

It’s no mean feat to replace Zlatan Ibrahimović, but Marcus Berg has thrived leading the line for his country since the departure of the charismatic striker from international football. Berg is coming off the back of a fine domestic season, scoring 25 league goals for Al Ain in the Arabian Gulf League. The 31-year-old attacker is likely to start against South Korea and will be a threat from set-pieces. 

Sweden Predicted Team

Robin Olsen, Mikael Lustig, Victor Lindelof, Andreas Granqvist, Ludwig Augustinsson, Viktor Claessen, Sebastian Larsson, Albin Ekdal, Emil Forsberg, Ola Toivonen, Marcus Berg

Live match stream- beIN SPORTS CONNECT

TV Channel- MAX HD3

Kick-off- 15:00

Stadium- Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod

After enduring a difficult qualification campaign, South Korea eventually sealed their place in Russia, reaching their ninth consecutive World Cup finals. Shin Tae-Yong replaced Uli Stielke late into the qualification campaign and turned the fortunes of his country around. The 49-year coach is no stranger to the national set-up having previously managed the U20 side.  Son Heung-min is likely to start on the left wing against Sweden and will have to be at his very best if the Tawgeuk Warriors are to come away with a positive result. Son had yet another fine season for Tottenham Hotspur scoring 12 goals in the league. Son’s electric pace is going to be a valuable asset for his side, who will be looking to break down a stubborn Swedish defence.  

South Korea Predicted Team

Kim Seung-Gyu, Lee Yong, Kim Young-Gwon, Jang Hyun-Soo, Kim Min-Woo, Park Joo-Ho, Moon Seon-Min, Ki Sung-Yeung, Koo Ja-Cheol, Lee Seung-Woo, Son Heung-Min

Predict your World Cup winner! 

It promises to be an interesting match as  Sweden take on South Korea in their opening World Cup game. You can watch Live & Exclusive streaming of the match at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.