Russia 0-0 Sweden
There was no way through either defence in tonight’s UEFA Nations League clash at Kaliningrad, as Russia and Sweden battled out a goalless draw.
Andreas Granqvist put in a man of the match performance at the heart of Sweden’s defence to repel anything Stanislav Cherchesov’s Russia could throw at them, denying the hosts a chance to pull clear at the top of Group B2
Russian football rather needed a pick-up after two internationals were arrested for attacking a trade ministry official. But after a bright start, they ran out of time as the Swedish defensive wall held firm. For the visitors’ coach Janne Andersson, this was a decent result, ending a three-match losing run.
Highlights of the game
Sweden skipper Granqvist was a colossus at the World Cup and has been attracting the attention of Manchester United as Jose Mourinho plans to bolster his defence. But he’s an attacking threat as well and had Sweden’s first attempt on goal, shooting wide from an Emil Forsberg corner.
The Russian attack has become a potent force since the beginning of the World Cup, and with the giant Artem Dzyuba a constant menace, creating space for others, co-striker Aleksey Ionov had a shot charged down. As the game swung back and forth, Granqvist was in the thick of the action again; this time, heading down a corner but Mikael Lustig shot high and wide.
At the other end, Dzyuba made room for Denis Cheryshev, but his shot flew narrowly past the left post. It was real end-to-end stuff in the first half, and Marcus Berg brought a great save from Marinato Guilherme as his shot arrowed towards the top-right corner.
The first action of the second half saw Dzyuba and Cheryshev linking up again as the big man nodded down for Cheryshev, but the Valencia man’s shot flew over the bar.
Wing-back Konstantin Rausch was Russia’s best player on the night, defending with authority and raiding forward. He crossed for Dzyuba, but he headed over. And then Cheryshev had another effort only to see it charged down. Granqvist was the man to block; he was everywhere in defence for the Swedes while Russia tried to break down their resistance as time began to run out.
Dzyuba took a tumble in the box as the Russian attacks became more desperate, but it was never a penalty. Granqvist wasn’t amused by the big man’s attempt to trick the ref. Keeper Robin Olsen was finally called into action to make a brilliant save, tipping over a super effort from substitute Daler Kuzyaev, then he came off his line quickly to deny Dzyuba after Rausch put him through, but up went the offside flag.
It was a frustrating night for the Russians, but a job well done by Sweden.
Key statistics
Russia and Sweden were at it hammer and tong in the first half, sharing the possession and the shots, Sweden edging it by seven to six.
Our UEFA Nations League 2018 odds had a draw at 3.20, and we quite fancied that, even though neither team had participated in a draw in the last seven games.
They both reached the quarter-finals of World Cup 2018, but there was little star quality on show tonight. No one could complain at the effort and energy on show. But they only managed three shots on target between them all night, one for Russia and two for Sweden.
But Sweden have ended their three-match losing streak, while Russia have made it three without defeat and sit top of Group B2 with two matches played.
What’s next?
These are two nations which will be desperate to show their continued worth in European football after a spectacular summer. And now, they want to make it to Group A of the Nations League at some stage in the not-too-distant future.
Don’t forget to keep up with all the UEFA Nations League 2018 news right here at SBOBET, when Russia have the chance to make some progress on Sunday night when Turkey are the visitors.
Meanwhile, Sweden host Slovakia in a friendly next week, before getting back to Nations League business away to Turkey in November.
It’s all to play for.
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