Sweden Stifles the Swiss, Heads to Quarters

Apparently, size does matter, and more than possession.

The mantra about the latter has been at the fore of every conversation with Uruguay manager Óscar Tabárez, and it's working well so far for his charges.

A side like Sweden believes in both, as they're the second tallest team in the World Cup -- after Serbia -- and they play to counter.

Rarely are they challenged by set pieces in the air, the knowledge of which allows them to build their defenses around a ground game.

 

Dudes obviously aren't picky about their target, either.

Switzerland, meanwhile, has been on quite the run. The Rossocrociati -- Red Crosses -- hadn't lost a match since October 2017.

Although they've been as stingy as their legendary bankers, they seemingly invent ways to keep matches close.

 

Although the Swiss did win the possession stat by a 2:1 margin, they only put four shots on target to the Blågult's three, and none were overly dangerous.

One of Sweden's was, which is why they're on to the quarters with a 1-0 victory.

That hasn't happened since 'way back when.

 

OK, 1994, but hell, that's like last century.

These two nations are more accustomed to playing high-stakes matches on the ice, which they did a couple of months ago in the World Hockey Championship. That was close, too, as Sweden took gold in a shootout.

 

Thus, the Swiss had revenge on their mind, but their offense just wasn't enough to carry it out.

Sweden used their air superiority to maintain control and set up finishes, but it was all for naught in the first half:

 

The second half started more energeticly, but while Switzerland controlled the clock -- that figures, as the country's famous for it -- Sweden brought the danger.

Dudes broke through in the 66th minute. Emil Forsberg's shot deflected off Manuel Akanji's foot and rocketed top shelf, killing any possibility for a save from Swiss 'keeper Yann Sommer.

Now desperate for an equalizer, the Rossocrociati finally attempted an approach through the air, but to no avail.

Sweden's height advantage yet again foiled the Swiss attempt to get a clean reception of the ball:

 

The Blågult -- Blue-Gold, pronounced blow-gullt if you're reading this as a bedtime story -- finally launched a fruitful counter during the 94th minute, which the the referee indicated wound up as a penalty for them

But no. VAR showed that the foul on Martin Olsson was outside the box and Michael Lang was sent off, leaving the Swiss done like dinner:

 

That was the third of all three Swedish shots on goal, possession be damned.

So much for the Swiss winning their first ever World Cup knockout round match. And so much for the FIFA's top-ranked sides dominating this tournament. Only three now remain:

Could be one of the reasons why this tournament is so entertaining. Certain teams have overachieved.

Like the Swedes.

For them, it's all fantasy land from here.