What’s the FIFA World Cup without a little drama?
There were absolute scenes on Matchday 3 in Group F as Sweden commandingly defeated Mexico 3-0 in Ekaterinburg, Russia, to win the group and advance to the Knockout Round for the first time since 2006. This was Sweden’s largest margin of victory in a World Cup match since they defeated Bulgaria 4-0 in 1994 in a third-place playoff match.
The Blågult will take on Switzerland, the runner-up from Group E, on Tuesday, July 3 in St. Petersburg.
Mexico finished second in the group because of a shocking 2-0 South Korea win over Germany that sent the defending World Cup champions and No. 1 team in the world home early.
Ludwig Augustinsson opened the scoring for the Swedes in the 50th minute before captain Andreas Granqvist converted a penalty kick in the 62nd to make it 2-0, a result that would guarantee Sweden’s advancement. An Edson Alvarez own goal in the 74th minute rounded out the resounding victory for Sweden.
Seattle Sounders midfielder Gustav Svensson came on for Sebastian Larsson in the 57th minute to make his second World Cup appearance after coming on a sub in the Group F opener against South Korea.
