FIFA World Cup: Emil Forsberg stars as Sweden beat Switzerland to reach quarterfinal

St. Petersburg: Emil Forsberg was the star of the match as Sweden edged Switzerland 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 clash here on Tuesday to reach the quarterfinal.

After a goalless first half, it was a 66th minute goal by Forsberg which gave the Swedish the lead. Throughout the match, the Swedish defenders were outstanding, as they never let their opponents get a breakthrough.

However, drama unfolded during the stoppage time in the second half as Michael Lang was sent off in the 93rd minute for a foul on Martin Olsson. It seemed like he committed the foul within the penalty box, and was initially declared as a penalty for Sweden.

However, the decision was overturned a couple of minutes later as the VAR confirmed that it was committed outside the penalty box. Hence, it was declared to be a free kick.

Nevertheless, it was a memorable night for Sweden, who will face the winner of the match between Colombia and England in the quarterfinal on Saturday.

Live match events

90'+ 6': FULL TIME! Sweden win the match in dramatic fashion as they reach the quarterfinal. Sweden 1-Switzerland 0.

90+ 5' : Decision overturned after VAR review! No penalty as the foul was committed outside the penalty box. Instead, it's a free kick.

90 + 3': PENALTY! Michael Lang of Switzerland receives a red card for a foul on Martin Olsson!

90': Three minutes have been added as injury time.

81': Goal-scorer Forsberg is substituted off as Martin Olsson comes in.

66': GOOAAALL! Emil Forsberg gives Sweden the lead, as he races past the Swiss defenders and finds the net!

60': Switzerland's Behrami is given a yellow card.

45' (Second half): The second half is underway!

45 + 1': HALF TIME! It remains goalless after first half.

45': Just one minute added as injury time

38': Blerim Dzemaili has a shot on target, but the ball just races over the cross-bar as he misses the target.

35': Rodriguez takes a corner for Switzerland.

30': Sweden's Lustig is given a yellow card for a foul on Josip Drmic.

29': Berg (Sweden) has a fantastic attempt on goal, but the ball is successfully defended by Yann Sommer. This was the closest they could get so far.

23': Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri has an attempt on target, but the ball fails to find the net.

7': Switzerland's Zuber has a shot on target but is saved by Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

1': The match is underway!

Lineups

LineupsThe lineups have been announced of the all-important clash.

While key players Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka start for Switzerland, Victor Lindelof gets a start for Sweden.

Here are the confirmed lineups:

Preview

When Sweden and Switzerland face off in the 2018 FIFA World Cup round of 16 here on Tuesday, both the teams will look to take a step ahead as they chase global success.

Neither Sweden nor Switzerland have won the prestigious trophy, even though the former reached the final of the tournament back in 1958.

Switzerland, meanwhile, will be eyeing to reach their first quarterfinal since 1954, when they made it to the last eight on home soil.

The Men in Red will be boosted by the services of star men Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka, who plays in England's domestic competition.

The winner of this match will have a tougher task in the last eight clash, as they will face either Colombia or England.