Although there were several chances at both ends, neither team could break the deadlock at half-time at St. Petersburg.
Marcus Berg had a chance to open the scoring in the eighth minute having received the ball on the end of a slick move. Although the angle was tight he only had the goalkeeper to beat, but miscued the shot instead sending it into the stands.
Just a minute later, Sweden created another chance in the box. After some ping-pong in the box, the ball fell to Ekdal on the edge of the box but he skied his shot.
Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer did mighty well to keep the scores level, when he saved a shot from Marcus Berg in the 29th minute.
Switzerland couldn't convert the majority of the possession it enjoyed.
Granit Xhaka came close to giving Switzerland the lead in the 34th minute when he let one fly from 40 yards out. It wasn't too far from the post but didn't trouble goalkeeper Robin Olsen.
But the best bit of football from the half was in the 38th minute. Switzerland moved the ball well around the box for Zuber to pass it to Dzemaili at the centre of the box. Dzemaili wasted probably the best chance of the half as his shot flew over the crossbar.
The game suddenly suddenly grew in momentum as just two minutes later, Ekdal almost put Sweden ahead. Finding himself unmarked on the far post, Ekdal tried to cushion a cross from Lustig on the volley but couldn't keep it on target.
Comments
Follow Us
SHARE