WORLD CUP: Forsberg’s strike sends Sweden through

Sweden will play either England or Colombia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup after defeating Switzerland 1-0 in a strangely compelling but untidy tie in St. Petersburg.

Emil Forsberg struck the decisive blow midway through the second half with a strike that deflected off the luckless Manuel Akanji and left Yann Sommer stranded in the Swiss goal.

Sommer had brilliantly clawed away a shot on the turn from Marcus Berg in the first half and denied Haris Seferovic late on but it was undoubtedly a game that was more about missed opportunities than good saves.

Both sides were guilty of squandering good openings – and Switzerland ended it with 10 men after Michael Lang was dismissed in injury time for a push on Martin Olsson, who was clean through on goal.

The referee initially gave a penalty but changed his decision to a free-kick after a review.

That will not bother the Swedes, who have reached the last eight of this competition for the first time since 1994. (BBC Sport)