As expected, the Sweden vs. Switzerland match was low scoring and relatively low action, finishing 1-0 for the Blågult. Sweden is through to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1994 thanks to the Emil Forsberg goal vs Switzerland, one he probably celebrated a bit too much given the strike’s quality.
Sweden and Switzerland both reached the Round of 16 more for their defensive solidity than their strength going forward. The lone goal in their match came in the 66th minute thanks to Forsberg. The RB Leipzig creative midfielder cut inside to the right and blasted a shot that ended up in the back of the net.
The Forsberg goal vs Switzerland was not one of any great beauty. The shot was heading straight toward the goalkeeper — it only went in because of a wicked deflection. But that didn’t stop Forsberg from celebrating like he just scored the greatest goal in World Cup history.
Forsberg's shot was going right into the arms of Sommer but Akanji deflects it past his keeper.
Shot was on target so Forsberg credited with the goal. pic.twitter.com/hfT0BNKESV
Via: @TelemundoSports— The18 (@the18com) July 3, 2018
Were it not for the deflection from Manuel Akanji, the ball would have been easily saved by Yann Sommer. But as Michael Scott once quoted Wayne Gretzky as saying, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.”
It was the match winner, but was the celebration a bit much given the quality of the strike?
On one hand, Forsberg should be ashamed of himself for celebrating like that. His shot was going straight at the goalkeeper!
On the other, if I took a shot in a BIG World Cup game and it gave my country the lead, I don't care how it went in, I'M CELEBRATING LIKE A MAD MAN!— Jimmy Conrad (@JimmyConrad) July 3, 2018
You can’t really fault Forsberg for celebrating his heart out. This was a battle between two stout defenses and any goal in the World Cup is worthy of revelry. Plus, Forsberg hadn’t been all that productive for Sweden during this tournament after a fairly tepid 2017-18 season, which followed his break-out season the year before. The Forsberg goal vs Switzerland came on his 14th shot of the tournament.
At least the Forsberg's shot was on target. In the first half, both teams were guilty of smashing the ball as hard as they could and sending shots into Row Z. Forsberg showed just enough technique with his less-favored foot to put the shot on target.
In the end, all that matters is the ball wound up in the back of the net. Switzerland pushed hard for an equalizer but couldn’t find a way past Robin Olsen, who we told you was a great sleeper pick as the best keeper in the tournament. Forsberg also did his part defensively, clearing a ball off the line while he was stationed on the far post for a corner kick in the 79th minute.
The Blågult will now play either Colombia or England in the quarterfinals for a right to face either Croatia or Russia in the semifinals. Thanks to the Forsberg goal vs Switzerland, the path is open for Sweden to a fifth run to the World Cup semifinals, which would be more than England and Spain combined.
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