Gustav Svensson and Sweden will look to move one step closer to 2018 FIFA World Cup glory on Tuesday when they take on Switzerland in the Round of 16 at 7 a.m. PT at Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg.
The Swedes improbably advanced to the Knockout Round after a surprising and convincing 3-0 win over Mexico to win Group F and take on the Swiss, who were runners-up to Brazil in Group E. Svensson came on early in the second half to help the Blågult defeat El Tri and set up their first Knockout Round appearance since 2006.
Switzerland are led by Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka, Stoke City’s Xherdan Shaqiri and Bologna’s Blerim Džemaili, who spent last year on loan at the Montreal Impact in MLS. The Swiss finished the group stage at 1-0-2, with arguably their best result coming in a 1-1 draw with Brazil, who dispatched Mexico on Monday morning to advance to the quarterfinals.
Sweden have been playing as organized and team-oriented soccer as anyone at the World Cup this year, and they will need to be just as sound in all facets again on Tuesday. The winner of the Sweden/Switzerland match will take on the winner of Group H winner Colombia and Group G runners-up England.
