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

Sweden marked their return to World Cup after 12 years with a win
Sweden marked their return to World Cup after 12 years with a win

#2 Seizing their chance

Captain Granqvist makes no mistake from the spot
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.

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Edited by Anirudh Menon