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

#3 Maintaining defensive shape in dying embers of the match

Sweden soaked up Korean pressure to deny a late comeback
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.

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Edited by Anirudh Menon