FIFA World Cup: 3 things Sweden did right in 1-0 win over South Korea

Sweden's first World Cup game in 12 years was far from perfect, but it ended with a victory and nothing else matters. South Korea managed to keep the Blagult at arm's length for large spells of the game despite being thrown the kitchen sink, thanks to some prolific goalkeeping and vigilante defending.

Unlike what we witnessed during the qualifiers, Sweden's attack today lacked the the flair with which they cut a swathe through the defenses in those games. But they did mount a sustained pressure for the better part of the match and Korea succumbed at one point, resulting in a penalty that skipper Andreas Granqvist coolly dispatched.

Three points in the bag and a massive step in the direction of last 16. Here's what Sweden did right in Novgorod today:

#1 Pushing Korea on the edge with sustained pressure

Sweden's offensive game developed cracks in Korea's armor

After a relatively slow start, Sweden gained momentum going forward, but Korea was proving to be a tough nut to crack. Backed by the undaunted Cho Hyun-woo between the sticks, the Taegeuk Warriors braved wave after wave of attack. But Sweden knew they'd crack after a certain point.

And that's exactly what happened when they tried to up the ante. Korea grew desperate and Victor Claesson drew a foul out of Kim Min-Woo inside the area resulting in a penalty, after the VAR intervention, of course. Granqvist stepped up and nonchalantly slotted a low drive, sending Hyun-woo the wrong way.

Sweden's sustained pressure bore dividends, even though not directly. But they wouldn't care as they got the job done eventually. The likes of Mexico and Germany, despite the defeat, are unlikely to wilt like this, and there Sweden would have to have the cutting edge to convert pressure into chances and chances into goals.

#2 Seizing their chance

Captain Granqvist makes no mistake from the spot

With South Korea punching above their weights with robust defending, Sweden were increasingly frustrated. So the penalty in the second-half was the only clear chance to get a goal and also get something from the game. And Granqvist made no mistake from 12 yards.

The 33-year old centre-back chose to take a crack at it himself, despite the presence of attacking stars such as Berg and Forsberg. And he delivered; coolly nudging the ball into the right corner with Hyun-woo diving the wrong way.

The importance of penalty in this World Cup cannot be understated. As many as 7 of them have already been awarded, and each of them have had a significant impact on the proceedings. In the two that were missed - Messi against Iceland and Cueva against Denmark - the teams had to bear the consequences as Argentina were held while Peru were consigned to a 1-0 loss.

Granqvist, then, would be happy to have taken his chance as Sweden enjoyed a win on their return to the World Cup.

#3 Maintaining defensive shape in dying embers of the match

Sweden soaked up Korean pressure to deny a late comeback

South Korea are the weakest in the group but Sweden were made to walk the extra mile for the win. In the final few moments of the game, the Asian giants tried their luck at goal by pushing forward as it was still only 1-0. But the Blagult dropped back with finesse and assumed great defensive shape.

The flat 4-4-2 with which they'd set out initially was tested genuinely, and Sweden held their fort with aplomb. Korea tried to penetrate in order to squeeze something out of this, but the former did well to suffocate; nipping the danger in the bud with clearances and dominating aerial duels. They even had a free-kick in a good position, but here it was the delivery that put them down.

Korea enjoyed plenty of their share on the ball, but just couldn't break through the sea of yellow shirts. Full credits to Sweden for maintaining composure and organisation to avoid any last minute glitches.