As the 2018 FIFA World Cup group stages came to a close, there was still all to play for in Group F as all 4 sides still had the chance progress to the last 16 stage. Mexico sat top of the group and as long as they avoided a heavy defeat and Germany did not defeat South Korea in the group’s other game, they would be through. For the Swedes this game was a must-win. Yes they could still progress if the other game’s result went their way but Sweden manager Janne Andersson knew his men could not afford to leave their fate in the hands of others.
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Mexico’s 4-2-3-1 had served Juan Carlos Osorio’s side well thus far in Group F. Their solid defensive organisation and blistering counter-attacks exposed the frailties in the German team as Juan Carlos Osorio’s men ran out 1-0 winners in their first game. Ochoa is an experienced and reliable pair of gloves between the sticks, Guardado will anchor midfield while Hector Herrera is given license to push forward. Carlos Vela and Hirving Lozano are the creative sparks in this side, any goal for El Tri would likely be of their making.
Sweden’s 4-4-2 got the better of Italy in World Cup qualification and has proved by consistent performances that under Janne Andersson the system can be incredibly frustrating for opponents while giving a suitable platform to Sweden’s strongest players. The spine is full of 6 hard-working, disciplined professionals while the team’s creativity comes from their full-backs and wide-midfielders, particularly RB Leipzig’s Emil Forsberg.
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