Sweden knocked Italy out of the World Cup play-offs and now they have eliminated holders Germany after a 3-0 victory over Mexico.
Both sides in this game go through to the Round of 16 after a bizarre group stage, which saw Mexico win its first two matches and yet risk elimination on goal difference.
However, South Korea’s shock 2-0 victory over Germany – with an offside decision overturned in stoppages using VAR and Manuel Neuer caught in the opposite penalty area – ensured both Sweden and Mexico could celebrate.
Sweden knocked Italy out of the World Cup play-offs and now they have eliminated holders Germany after a 3-0 victory over Mexico.
Both sides in this game go through to the Round of 16 after a bizarre group stage, which saw Mexico win its first two matches and yet risk elimination on goal difference.
However, South Korea’s shock 2-0 victory over Germany – with an offside decision overturned in stoppages using VAR and Manuel Neuer caught in the opposite penalty area – ensured both Sweden and Mexico could celebrate.
The Scandinavians largely dominated, save for the odd classic counter-attack with Carlos Vela curling just wide, while the Swedes had a penalty appeal rejected via VAR for possible Javier Hernandez handball.
They finally broke through in a scintillating second half. Ludwig Augustinsson smashed in at the back post during a chaotic move, then the penalty did arrive with ex-Roma defender Hector Moreno’s clumsy tackle on Marcus Berg. Andreas Granqvist blasted his spot-kick into the roof of the net.
Mexico fell apart for the third goal, as Edson Alvarez completely missed his clearance on a throw-in, it bounced off him and went in.
At this stage, Mexico spent the rest of the match waiting anxiously for news from the other group game and could finally celebrate when South Korea took the lead.
Sweden have not only qualified, but topped Group F, suggesting their victory over Italy in the play-offs was perhaps not such a fluke.
Mexico 0-3 Sweden
Augustinsson 50 (S), Granqvist pen 62 (S), E Alvarez og 74 (S)
Mexico: Ochoa; E Alvarez, Salcedo, Moreno, Gallardo (Fabian 65); Guardado (Jesus Corona 75), Herrera; Layun (Peralta 89), Carlos Vela, Lozano; Hernandez
Sweden: Olsen; Lustig, Lindelof, Granqvist, Augustinsson; Claesson, Larsson (Svensson 57), Ekdal (Hiljemark 80), Forsberg; Berg (Kiese Thelin 68), Toivonen
Ref: Pitana (ARG)