2018 07 07 15:00 Sweden vs England

On July 7, 2018, Sweden faced England in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup at the Samara Arena. England secured a 2-0 victory, advancing to the semi-finals for the first time since 1990.

Key Statistics and Analysis

1. Scoreline and Goal Timings:
   • Sweden: 0
   • England: 2 (Harry Maguire 30′, Dele Alli 58′)
2. Possession:
   • England dominated possession with 58%, while Sweden had 42%. England’s control of the ball allowed them to dictate the pace and flow of the game.
3. Shots:
   • England registered 12 shots, with 5 on target, highlighting their effectiveness in creating and converting opportunities. Sweden managed 7 shots, with 3 on target, but were unable to break through England’s solid defense.
4. Passing Accuracy:
   • England displayed a passing accuracy of 86%, completing 455 passes out of 531 attempts. Sweden had a 76% passing accuracy, completing 293 passes out of 387 attempts. England’s superior ball retention and distribution were key to maintaining control.
5. Defensive Statistics:
   • England made 13 tackles, while Sweden made 15, indicating a strong defensive effort from both sides. Sweden committed 12 fouls compared to England’s 9, showing a slightly more aggressive defensive approach.
6. Set Pieces:
   • Both of England’s goals came from set pieces, which had been a significant weapon for them throughout the tournament. Harry Maguire scored the opening goal with a powerful header from a corner, while Dele Alli added the second with a header from a cross, highlighting England’s aerial dominance.
7. Individual Performances:
   • Harry Maguire was outstanding, not only scoring the opening goal but also providing a commanding presence in defense. Jordan Pickford, England’s goalkeeper, made several crucial saves, particularly in the second half, to preserve the clean sheet. Dele Alli’s goal and overall performance in midfield were also pivotal.
8. Tactical Overview:
   • England employed a 3-5-2 formation, utilizing wing-backs to provide width and support in both defense and attack. Sweden, using a 4-4-2 formation, focused on a solid defensive block and counter-attacks. England’s strategy of pressing and set-piece proficiency proved decisive.
9. Disciplinary:
   • The match had only two yellow cards, both for Sweden (Sebastian Larsson 59′, Victor Lindelöf 89′), indicating a relatively disciplined game.
10. Corners and Offsides:
    • England won 6 corners compared to Sweden’s 2, underlining their offensive pressure. England were caught offside twice, while Sweden had no offside calls against them, reflecting England’s forward play and Sweden’s defensive discipline.

Summary

England’s 2-0 victory over Sweden was characterized by strong set-piece execution and solid defensive performance. Harry Maguire’s header from a corner and Dele Alli’s well-placed header sealed the win, with England effectively managing the game. Sweden struggled to create significant chances against England’s organized defense, with Jordan Pickford’s saves further frustrating their efforts. The win secured England’s place in the semi-finals, showcasing their tactical discipline and set-piece strength.