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ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) – Shy, tiny and without this distinctive ponytail, Emil Forsberg could not be more different than the larger than life Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
They share the ability to create something from scratch on a football pitch, as Forsberg has shown by leading Sweden to the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time in 24 years.
Forsberg dropped his shoulder to create space at the edge of the box and scored with a deflected shot to allow the Swedes a 1-0 win against Switzerland on Tuesday.
"It makes me cry," says Forsberg, "and it makes me so proud."
Forsberg, 26, arrived in Russia assuming much of Sweden's creative burden following the international retreat of Ibrahimovic, who led the national team for more than 30 years. a decade and is the best player in the country.
Forsberg was unassuming in the group stage, but the offensive midfielder's skills and playful move stood out against Switzerland in an uninhibited match between two of Europe's less decorated nations.
"He 's developed in terms of holistic approach to his game," said Swedish coach Janne Andersson. "Even if he does not succeed at every dribble, in every part of his game, he contributes in so many ways and he has those decisive moments."
Forsberg did not have much power behind his shot and he was probably heading towards Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer. However, it took a deviation of the center foot Manuel Akanji and rebounded into the net.
Sweden became the fifth European team to reach the quarterfinals and then play England on Saturday in Samara. Limited but with a very effective game plan, Swedes should not be underestimated.
This was another opportunity denied by the Swiss, who have reached the last 16 of their last four World Cup appearances, only 16 to be eliminated without scoring a goal. They did not score in a knockout match in the biggest soccer tournament in 64 years, when they reached the quarter-finals at home in 1954.
They finished the match with 10 men after Michael Lang was sent off in stoppage time for misconduct on Sweden's substitute, Martin Olsson. The referee initially awarded a penalty kick, but later he gave a free kick on the edge of the area after a video overhaul.
Switzerland was lucky to still be in the match at that time.
Ibrahimovic, now 36 years old and playing his illustrious career in the United States, would surely have eliminated some of his compatriots' chances against a fragile Swiss defense that was missing Fabian Schaer and Stephan Lichtsteiner.
The striker Marcus Berg was the biggest culprit, pushing back two openings in quick succession, while Albin Ekdal flew over with the goal at his mercy.
The Swedes were limited but were playing on the strengths that had allowed them to pass Italy in the World Cup playoffs and win Germany, Mexico and South Korea. Their long balls caused panic and they were more optimistic in their midfield attack.
The Swiss certainly did not play as a ranked No. 6 team in the world and with only one defeat in their previous 25 matches. Their play of preparation was sloppy, the best effort going to Remo Freuler with a late header saved by Robin Olsen.
"They did exactly what they are good at," said Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic, "and that could have been enough to fight us.
"When they score a goal, it is always extremely difficult to crack that hard nut."
The last time Sweden reached the World Cup in 1994, the team reached the semifinals.
SUSPENDED
Swedish defender Mikael Lustig will miss the quarter-finals after collecting his second yellow card of the tournament for a shot by Swiss striker Josip Drmic in the first half.
Sebastian Larsson will be withdrawn again from the team and the midfielder should return directly to the starting lineup.
GREAT BLUNDERS
A low quality match was one of the worst finals in the World Cup and two efforts distinguished themselves.
In the first half, Lustig dragged a long-range effort to the side and he came out for a throw-in. Then, in the second half, Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka lined up a shot from the Outside the area and almost blown out.
BABY WATCH
Swedish captain Andreas Granqvist chose to play while his wife, Sofie, was to give birth to the couple's second child on Tuesday.
In a post on her Instagram page, she said that she "told her to stay in the stomach until at least tomorrow!"
Swiss striker Breel Embolo, who came home last week to witness the birth of his first child, entered the second half.
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More coverage of the World Cup: www.apnews.com/tag/WorldCup
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