- Sweden won their opening match for the first time since 1958, Korea’s World Cup woos continue.
Sweden beats South Korea in their opening match at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. This is the first time after 1958, that Sweden started their World Cup campaign with a victory.
It was a tough and physical match for both the teams. The rhythm of the game was disrupted by physical challenges. The the game continued where both of the team created some chances, but they were not clinical to finish it off.
South Korea had a surprise in their line up as they fielded young and comparatively inexperienced Cho Hyun-woo as Goalkeeper, who played 5 internationals before. Apart from the goal from penalty, he was absolutely brilliant under the bar and saved his team number of times.
Park Joo-Ho was injured and was substituted by Kim Min-Woo at 28th minute of the game. Viktor Claesson was appeared to be tripped by substitute Kim Min-Woo at 64th minute of the match, when Korea started to take control of the match from Swede. Initially referee continued till VAR interrupted. On-field referee reviewed the incident and awarded penalty kick to Sweden.
Both the teams will now play Germany and Mexico in their subsequent games. Mexico is appeared to be best-placed to move to Round of 16. Germany and Sweden match would be critical to decide the other team from Group F.
