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Sweden 1 South Korea 0: VAR pivotal once again as Andreas Granqvist penalty settles Group F clash

Reuters
Reuters

Sweden earned a deserved win over South Korea to join Mexico at the top of Group F thanks to Andreas Granqvist's penalty.

Not for the first time this tournament, VAR overturned the referee's initial decision and Sweden slotted home the seventh penalty in five days of World Cup action.

After a slow start in the day's first game, South Korea were first to wake up with Kim Shin-Wook, Hwang Hee-Chong and Son Heung-min linking up well but lacking a finishing touch.

That was the story of the first half for South Korea, who hustled and bustled but were unable to but get a Sweden's central defensive pairing of Granqvist and Pontus Jansson.

(AFP/Getty Images)
(AFP/Getty Images)

It was far different for Sweden, who only had themselves to blame for not taking a lead into half-time.

Marcus Berg had the best opportunity to break the deadlock, but side-footed the ball into the knee of South Korea goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo from point-blank range in the 21st minute.

As half-time approached, Mikael Lustig's fine delivery from out wide was met by Ola Toivonen six yards out but the striker was unable to direct his header on target.

(EPA)
(EPA)

It was a similar tale after the break as Toivonen could only power a header straight at Cho when mere yards out. Anywhere either side and Sweden would have scored.

Sweden needed a break and got it when Kim Min-Woo's put in a clumsy challenge on Claesson inside the area which the referee initially waved away before VAR awarded the penalty following a review.

(AP)
(AP)

Granqvist stepped up and cooly beat Cho in the South Korea goal to put Sweden ahead.

With Mexico beating Germany on Sunday, South Korea know a defeat could all but spell the end to their World Cup journey. They pushed for an equaliser but, as with much of the game, their attacking prowess was predictable.