Heir to Ibrahimovic delivers for Sweden

ST PETERSBURG, Russia (AP):

Shy, diminutive and without that distinctive ponytail, Emil Forsberg couldn't be more different than the larger-than-life Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

They share an ability to conjure something out of nothing on a football field, though, as Forsberg showed in leading Sweden into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 24 years.

Forsberg dropped his shoulder to create space at the edge of the area and scored with a deflected shot to earn the Swedes a 1-0 victory over Switzerland yesterday.

"It brings tears to my eyes," Forsberg said, "and makes me so proud.

The 26-year-old Forsberg arrived in Russia shouldering much of Sweden's creative burden following the international retirement of Ibrahimovic, who ruled the national team for more than a decade and is the greatest player the country ever produced.

Forsberg was quiet in the group stage but the attacking midfielder's skills and slick movement stood out against Switzerland in an otherwise scrappy game between two of Europe's less-decorated nations.

Forsberg didn't get much power behind his shot and it was likely heading straight for Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer. However, it took a deflection off the foot of centre back Manuel Akanji and bounced up and into the net.

Sweden became the fifth European team to reach the quarter finals and will next play England on Saturday in Samara. Limited but with a highly effective game plan, the Swedes should not be underestimated.

SPURNED OPPORTUNITY

This was another opportunity spurned by the Swiss, who have reached the last 16 in four of their last five appearances at the World Cup only to be eliminated without scoring a goal. They haven't scored in a knockout game in football's biggest tournament in 64 years, when they last reached in the quarter finals at home in 1954.

They finished the game with 10 men after right back Michael Lang was sent off in stoppage time for a professional foul on Sweden substitute Martin Olsson. The referee initially awarded a penalty kick but later gave a free kick on the edge of the area after a video review.

Switzerland were fortunate to still be in the match at that point.

Ibrahimovic, now 36 and playing out his illustrious career in the United States, would surely have put away some of the first-half chances created by his countrymen against a fragile Switzerland defence which was missing the suspended Fabian Schaer and Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Striker Marcus Berg was the biggest culprit, spurning two openings in quick succession, while Albin Ekdal volleyed over with the goal at his mercy.