Home » World » Friendlies overview: Emil Forsberg inspires Sweden to victory, Russia overtakes Bulgaria thanks to Aleksandr Sobolev’s penalty | Football news
Friendlies overview: Emil Forsberg inspires Sweden to victory, Russia overtakes Bulgaria thanks to Aleksandr Sobolev’s penalty | Football news
A superb first half from winger Emil Forsberg paved the way for Sweden’s 3-1 victory over Armenia in their final friendly before the start of Euro 2020 next week.
Forsberg put the Swedes ahead in the 16th minute with a long-range free kick that dipped viciously, leading goalkeeper David Yurchenko to mis-synchronize his dive as the ball bounced and flew into the net.
Forsberg was also instrumental in Sweden’s second goal, hitting a corner Marcus Danielson directed to make it 2-0 in the 34th minute with his third goal in nine international appearances.
Given a free role from his position on the left wing, Forsberg got a penalty just before half-time but Yurchenko cleverly went down to save Sebastian Larsson’s shot on goal.
Vahan Bichakhchyan brought home a goal for the visitors just after the hour mark, but the Swedes scored a third when Robin Quaison drank a delicious pass to allow his other substitute Marcus Berg to score.
Russia unconvincing in Bulgaria’s belated victory
Image: Aleksandr Sobolev’s penalty gave Russia victory despite unconvincing performance
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Substitute Aleksandr Sobolev’s penalty saw Russia win 1-0 over Bulgaria in their final warm-up friendly before the European Championship kicks off next Friday.
Sobolev coolly aimed his penalty into the left corner in the 84th minute, sending Bulgarian goalkeeper Georgi Georgiev the wrong way.
Captain Artem Dzyuba, on the verge of becoming Russia’s all-time top scorer, was replaced by Sobolev in the 58th minute to generate an attacking pace.
Russia dominated possession but their lukewarm attack struggled to break Bulgaria’s back line. Russia missed an opportunity to open the scoring in the 73rd minute when defender Yuri Zhirkov’s effort was held up by a diving Georgiev.
Russia will face Belgium, the highest-ranked team in the world, at home in St. Petersburg in their Euro opener on June 12. She will also face Denmark and Finland’s surprise qualifiers in Group B.
And after? Euros, transfer window, key dates 2021/22
Sweden will kick off their Euro 2020 campaign on June 14 with a tough opener against 2008 champions Spain; Kick-off at 8 p.m.
Russia start their tournament against Belgium, third in the 2018 World Cup, at home in St. Petersburg on June 12; Kick-off at 8 p.m.
Euro 2020 starts on Friday 11 June – just 19 days after the end of the 2020/21 Premier League season – and runs until Sunday July 11.
