Sweden are back in the quarterfinals of a World Cup for the first time in 24 years after they booked a spot with a slim 1-0 win over Switzerland in their last 16 clash at the ongoing tournament in Russia.

The Swedes created the better chances in a keenly contested first half which ended without any goal.

The 1958 World Cup finalists were, however, rewarded in the second half in fortuitous circumstance when RB Leipzig of Germany forward Emil Forsberg gave his side the lead on 66 minutes.

His shot from the edge of the box deflected off Swiss defender Manuel Akanji into the back of net with goalkeeper Yann Sommer wrongfooted.

Switzerland thereafter increased their tempo in search of an equaliser that will force extra time but Sweden held on for a 3rd clean sheet in their four World Cup games and a spot in the last eight.

The Swiss team had Michael sent off in added time for a professional foul on Martin Olsson outside the box in what proved to be the final straw that broke the camel’s back for Andreas Petkovic’s team.

The 1954 World Cup hosts continue their 60-year wait (since 1954) for a goal in the knockout stage of the tournament.

Sweden will now face either Colombia or England in the next stage.

The two sides meet in the final last 16 clash to determine who completes the quarterfinal lineup in Russia.