Hello! And welcome to our live coverage of this afternoon’s quarter-final clash between Sweden and England from the Samara Arena. We’ve arrived, we’re here and this is it: England, potentially 90 minutes away from a World Cup semi-final who, in their right mind, could have predicted that four weeks ago when the tournament got underway? Gareth Southgate’s men have created a whirlwind of buzz and euphoria as the English public finally dare to dream that football is coming home. His side has exceeded all expectations and did the impossible against Colombia by becoming the first ever English team to win a World Cup penalty shoot-out on Tuesday night in Moscow.
Today they will face their biggest test. This Swedish side is Zlatan-less, but possibly all the better for the striker’s absence. Janne Andersson’s side has been the ultimate team in the competition so far robust, tough to break down, somewhat mechanical, but always effective. In Emil Forsberg, they have an absolute star. The RB Leipzig forward was the difference as his deflected strike put Switzerland to the sword in a tight 1-0 win. His side will be hoping for a similar outcome here today. Kick-off is just under an hour away at 3.00pm.
RTÉ’s coverage gets underway an hour before kick-off, so you know this game means business. Yesterday threw up another brilliant occasion as Belgium dumped out Brazil. With so many of the big hitters sent home prematurely (Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, Germany, Spain), could this actually be England’s year?
England’s road to this stage has been nothing less than intriguing. The Three Lions required an injury-time header from Harry Kane to see off Tunisia, before hammering Panama 5-1 with absolute ease. Their group-decider against Belgium was simply bizarre. Despite falling 1-0, the defeat has nearly been a lucky omen placing Southgate’s side on an easier side of the draw which, if they prevail today, puts them in a semi-final against either Croatia or hosts Russia
Despite their success so far, you can’t help but feel England still haven’t hit top gear just yet. Dominating penalties and set-pieces with precision, they have just one goal from open play so far in the World Cup. Players like Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling could yet have a lot more to come, but will undoubtedly face a stiff test today against a disciplined and workmanlike Swedish defence which has been marshalled expertly by captain Andreas Granqvist.
A decent opening spell for England inside the opening five minutes. Maintaining possession comfortably as Sweden sit off and invite pressure inside their own half. Patient and steady so far.
Almost a chance for England as Dele Alli cleverly dispossess Emil Krafth. The Tottenham midfielder tries to pick out the darting run of Harry Kane running behind enemy lines, but his pass is just slightly overhit. Very smart reading of the play from Alli there.
The national anthems are done and dusted and we’re just about ready to get underway!
ngland getting quite a bit of success down the right flank now. Firstly Raheem Sterling twisted and turned before seeing his cross deflected off Emil Forsberg and away. Soon after Kieran Trippier bombed forward and turned in a cross of his own, but his effort was gathered by the arms of Robin Olsen as Kane tried to grab a touch.
Decent chance for a second for England as half-time approaches. Raheem Sterling easily beats his man with some quick dribbling down the right wing. His cross meets Jesse Lingard, who produces a clever backheel close to goal but his effort is blocked down and booted clear by Andreas Granqvist.
Another chance goes begging for England as Raheem Sterling is presented with a one v one with Olsen. The goalkeeper produces a brilliant save to deny what should have been a certain goal from Sterling, but his blushes are saved as it wouldn’t have counted anyway the linesman with a delayed reaction raising his flag for offside.
Oh, goodness me Raheem Sterling. The winger is presented with another brilliant chance and this time the offside flag stays down. Sterling rounds the goalkeeper but the goal-line is guarded he twists and turns and eventually his effort is blocked down dramatically. He really should have done better with the goal at his beg and mercy.
Well, what have we made of it so far? England 1-0 ahead following a 45 minutes which, really, failed to inspire the imagination.Sweden have offered next to nothing in the final third, only producing sporadic counter-attacks, and were breached following some really lax marking from a corner-kick.Janne Andersson’s side remained disciplined in defence throughout the opening half an hour, but were found lacking for Harry Maguire’s excellent headed goal (another set-piece goal for Gareth Southgate’s side).
Ever since then Sweden has been at sixes and sevens at the back, and perhaps England should be more than a goal ahead Raheem Sterling with a handful of chances to put the game to bed which went begging.
Jordan Pickford with another great stop. The ball bounced up for Marcus Berg to smash an inviting half-volley goal-bound. His effort seemed destined for the roof of the net before Pickford managed to get a hand to it to help the ball over the crossbar. Another brilliant stop and, you have to say, Pickford is playing out of his skin at the minute.
More promising build-up play from England sees Kieran Trippier send in a low cross which almost reaches Raheem Sterling. The winger was lying in wait to prod the ball into an empty net, but Granqvist reads the cross and boots it clear. England very much looking for a third and showing no signs of resting on their two-goal lead.