Sweden vs Czech Republic: Sweden face Czech Republic in the 2nd Round Semi Finals of the UEFA World Cup Qualifications at the Friends Arena, Solna, Sweden.
Both the teams were solid in their defence and did not allow any goals in the stipulated 90 minutes. Robin Quaison broke the deadlock between the teams with a 110-minute goal to seal Sweden’s place in the finals.
Let’s take a look at the player ratings for the clash: –
Sweden vs Czech Republic Player Ratings
Sweden
Robin Olsen (7.5/10): Olsen faced just 2 shots on target, but he saved both of them and kept a much-deserved clean sheet.
Marcus Danielson (7.9/10): The right back was exceptional in his position. His defensive work rate was immaculate throughout the 120 minutes.
Joakim Nilsson (7.5/10): Nilsson completed the most passes in the game and made important recovery challenges.
Victor Nilsson Lindelof (8.1/10): Lindelof’s defensive positioning was brilliant. He made a few important blocks and interceptions, helping with the clean sheet.
Martin Olsson (6.6/10): Olsson had a decent game as left back. He was replaced by Pierre Bengtsson as he got injured early in the second half.
Viktor Claesson (6.7/10): Claesson got booked for a clumsy challenge and was replaced by Robin Quaison in the second half.
Kristoffer Olsson (7.6/10): Olsson distributed the ball well and his passing was pin perfect going forward. He got booked late in the second half for a harsh challenge.
Albin Ekdal (7.2/10): Ekdal made some good passes in the middle and distributed the ball well to feed the forwards.
Emil Forsberg (7.3/10): Forsberg played as a left midfielder and had a good game. He created 3 chances in the match- the most for any player.
Dejan Kulusevski (6.2/10): Kulusevski had an average game upfront. He lost the most duels in the match as well.
Alexander Isak (7.8/10): Isak provided with the crucial assist to Quaison which won the game for Sweden.
Substitutes:
Pierre Bengtsson (6.8/10): Bengtsson had a good game coming on for Olsson. He passed the ball well.
Robin Quaison (7/10): Quaison was in the headlines as he scored the all-important goal to push Sweden to the finals.
Mattias Svanberg (6.7/10): Svanberg was the most accurate passer of the match. His distribution was perfect.
Jesper Karlstrom (NA)
Filip Helander (NA)
Anthony Elanga (NA)
Czech Republic
Tomas Vaclik (5.6/10): Czech Republic goalkeeper vaclik faced only 2 shots on target and saved only one of it, letting a goal that was decisive.
David Zima (7.3/10): Zima was very good on the right flank. He made a lot of runs going forward and defended pretty good as well.
Jakub Brabec (7.1/10): Brabec was defensively brilliant on the night. His blocks and clearances were vital to take the game to extra time.
Tomas Holes (7.1/10): Holes, along with Brabec, had a good game in the back. Holes was also booked for a challenge on Olsson.
Michal Sadilek (7.5/10): Sadilek was vital on the left flank. His crosses and passing was instrumental in Czech’s performance.
Antonin Barak (6.5/10): Barak had an average game in the midfield. He could not impose himself into the game.
Tomas Soucek (8.3/10): Soucek made 4 tackles in the match- most for any player. He also won the most duels, making him player of the match.
Lukas Masopust (6/10): Masopust had a poor game as the right midfielder. He could not provide anything substantial and was replaced.
Adam Hlozek (6.7/10): Hlozek had a shot on target but could not find the back of the net. He made good runs and looked good on the ball.
Jakub Jankto (6.5/10): Jankto had a decent game on the left flank. He passed well and put in good balls before being subbed off.
Jan Kuchta (5.8/10): Kuchta did not have a single shot on target as a striker. He was subbed off late in the second half as he was ineffective.
Substitutes:
Ales Mateju (7/10): Mateju replaced Masopust and performed exceedingly well, but could not impact the result of the game.
Milan Havel (6.3/10): Havel could not make much difference in the match as he played off his position.
Tomas Pekhart (6/10): Pekhart replaced Kuchta late in the second half, but he was as ineffective as Kuchta.
Ladislav Krejci (NA)
Jan Sykora (NA)
Ondrej Lingr (NA)
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