Sweden have started a World Cup campaign with a win for the first time since 1958
Taking on South Korea in Kaliningrad, the only goal of the game came in the second half, from a VAR-assisted penalty.
Swedish appeals after Kim Min-Woo’s challenge on Viktor Claesson were initially waved away by the referee, who then decided it was worthy of a penalty after consulting VAR.
Up stepped Andreas Granqvist, who coolly side-footed the ball into the right-hand corner of the goal, sending the goalkeeper in the other direction.
GOAALLL!! Granqvist converts the penalty and Sweden have the lead thanks to the veteran centre-back! pic.twitter.com/Zxl3IvefeC
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 18, 2018
Although the 33-year-old defender made light work of the spot kick, the fact he was taking it initially appeared to come as a surprise to Jon Champion, ITV’s main commentator for the game. Champion described it as a “curious choice of penalty taker”, suggesting how Swedish supporters in the ground were probably “equally amazed” at who had stepped up to take it.
“He must’ve known something that we didn’t,” Champion added as Granqvist slotted the ball home.
Continuing to discuss what a surprise this had been, the commentator then added that the defender had also taken three goals in qualifying. “Those were his auditions,” he said.
Some of those watching were quick to pick up on this on social media…
Utter astonishment from @itvfootball commentary team that Granqvist, a defender – A DEFENDER! – was taking that penalty. They then pointed out that he's been taking penalties for 🇸🇪 throughout the qualifiers. Unbelievably poor.
— Richard Openshaw (@richopenshaw) June 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/LiamGrovess/status/1008701765703880704
Good to hear itv have been doing their homework for the World cup. Granqvist scored 3 pens in qualification and has scored numerous over his career. Yet they were scratching their heids as to why Seb Larsson wasn't taking it.
— Kevin Davidson (@edgarbear3) June 18, 2018
It's great that both Itv commentators can remember Sweden 12-0 South Korea, 80 years ago. But have no idea why Granqvist could possibly be taking a penalty, despite being their penalty taker.#SWEKOR
— furnituremittens (@fplescape) June 18, 2018
ITV commentators amazed that Granqvist took the pen and debating if it was an "on field decision" when he often takes them for Sweden. I'm hardly a Swedish football expert but even I knew that #SWEKOR #doyourresearch
— Rob Fielding (@RobFielding) June 18, 2018
Love how ITV commentators had no idea Granqvist always takes penalties for Sweden.
Spastics.
— Conor Glavin (@conormichael04) June 18, 2018
Ah well, at least he corrected himself.
Sweden’s win means they now sit joint top of Group F with Mexico, who defeated reigning world champions Germany in their first game in Moscow on Sunday. Hirving Lozano scored the only goal of the game, with celebrations back in his homeland triggering and earthquake.
Sweden meet Germany in their next game on Saturday, before closing their group with a match against Mexico the following Wednesday afternoon.
