Mitch Freeley

Match Report

Sweden is through to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1994 after a deflected goal from Emil Forsberg clinched a 1-0 win over Switzerland.

The first meeting between the nations at a major tournament simmered for 65 minutes in St Petersburg until Forsberg's fortunate strike handed Sweden a crucial lead.

The RB Leipzig playmaker's tame effort was heading straight at Yann Sommer until Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji stuck out a foot, sending the ball looping beyond his wrong-footed goalkeeper.

Forsberg also produced a well-timed clearance in his own penalty area to preserve the advantage against a Switzerland side who finished with 10 men, defender Michael Lang seeing red after clipping the heels of Martin Olsson just outside the penalty area when the substitute was clean through on goal.

Referee Damir Skomina initially gave a penalty deep into stoppage time before VAR intervened, though the change of decision made no difference to the final outcome of the contest.

The only disappointment for Sweden was a first-half booking picked up by Mikael Lustig, ruling the defender out of a last-eight clash against either Colombia or England in Samara on Saturday.

Live Updates

Preview

Sweden will be looking to book their place in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1994, but will face a tough challenge against fellow European side Switzerland in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday afternoon. You can watch a Live Stream of the match via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

Confidence will be high in the Sweden camp  following their impressive second-half showing against Mexico, which saw them run out as 3-0 winners. Now  Janne Andersson's side can now dream of further progression providing they can get the better of Switzerland.

In team news, Sebastian Larsson will be unavailable through suspension. Andreas Granqvist has been captain fantastic for Sweden during the competition, scoring twice from the penalty spot and leading by example in central defence. The FC Krasnodar defender will already have plenty of fans in Russa, and they will be willing on the 33-year on to further success in Russia

Sweden Predicted Team
Robin Olsen; Mikael Lustig, Victor Lindelöf, Andreas Granqvist, Ludwig Augustinsson; Viktor Claesson, Gustav Svensson, Albin Ekdal, Emil Forsberg; Marcus Berg, Ola Toivonen

How to watch Online- beIN SPORTS CONNECT
TV Channel- MAX HD3
Kick-off- 15:00
Stadium- Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg

As for Switzerland, they are undefeated in Russia and will be targeting an appearance in the final eight for the first time since 1954, in the tournament which they hosted.

Amazingly, both sides have never met at a major tournament, despite meeting 29 times in qualification and friendly games. Switzerland just have the advantage with 11 wins. Vladimir Petkovic’s side will be missing key defenders Fabian Schaer and captain Stephan Lichtsteiner. It will be interesting how the Swiss will cope with the loss of the influencial duo.

Granit Xhaka & Xherdan Shaqiri scored late goals against Serbia in what was the European sides most compelling preformance at the tournament. Now the duo will be expected to step up again, especially when they are up against a stern Swedish backline that has only conceded two goals in the competition so far.

Switzerland Predicted team
Yann Sommer; Michael Lang, Johan Djourou, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Valon Behrami, Granit Xhaka; Xherdan Shaqiri, Blerim Dzemaili, Steven Zuber; Josip Drmic

It promises to be a fascinating encounter as Sweden & Switzerland face off for a place in the quarter finals.  Watch the Live & Exclusive stream of the game on MAX HD3 & beIN SPORTS CONNECT.