Match Review (QF): England v. Sweden

England v Sweden
Score: 2-0
Goals: Maguire 30', Alli 58'
Possession: 57-43
Shots: 12-7
Man of the match: Jordan Henderson

In a dull but well-fought match, England progressed to their first World Cup semi-final with a comfortable win over a disappointing Sweden. The match started off with England controlling possession and trying to feel out the game. Raheem Sterling was causing trouble to the Swedish defense, but no real chances were really made. The first for the English fell about 20 minutes in when Raheem Sterling picked up the ball on the right. After beating two defenders, his heavy touch fell to Harry Kane whose shot whizzed past the post from about 20 yards out. It was a warning shot to the Swedish defense who were punished about ten minutes later. The opening goal came from a set piece header by Leicester man Harry Maguire. Man United winger Ashley Young put in a perfect ball which Maguire met in stride and smashed it into the back of the net. England almost made it two on the stroke of halftime when midfield general Jordan Henderson picked out a tremendous over the top ball to Raheem Sterling. Sterling brought the ball down from the 40-yard pass and was 1v1 with Olsen. But his touch got away from him, and Olsen batted it away and Sterling's follow up effort was wide. This sent the match into halftime with England comfortably in control. To start the second half Sweden looked a little better. They created a golden opportunity to equalize just two minutes into the second half. Ludwig Augistinsson picked the ball up on the left-hand side and whipped in a ball to the far post. The ball found the head of Marcus Berg from about 6 yards out. His header was perfect with good pace and placement. But England hero Jordan Pickford made an unbelievable diving save and kept the English in front. England then punished the Swedes just ten minutes later when they doubled their advantage. Man United youth product Jesse Lingard was played the ball on the edge of the box and sent in a curling first-time ball that found the head of Dele Alli. Alli thumped his free header in to send the English into absolute craziness. The match wasn't over though. Sweden created one more golden opportunity before the match ended that could've turned the tides of the match if it was converted. Sweden finally decided to play some free-flowing attacking football and were able to break down England. After some brilliant combination between Berg and Toivonen, the ball was flicked to Claesson who had a free shot at goal from about 14 yards out. His shot was well saved by Pickford and the follow up was miraculously blocked by Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson. This finished the job for England who comfortably saw out the rest of the match. This sets up England for a tie against Croatia in Moscow on Wednesday night.