Sweden's strength sees them thrash Mexico

Sweden and Mexico both named unchanged teams for the final Group F game on Wednesday afternoon, which would decide who would go through to the final 16.

The European side got the first half underway, and almost immediately won a free-kick after Jesus Gallardo body-checked Ola Toivonen, earning himself the fastest yellow card in World Cup history.

The 'Blue-Yellows' were eager to make the most of the opportunity but the searching ball into the box was headed towards goal and narrowly missed.

Mexico's poor start continued, with mistake after mistake in defence. Only minutes after coming close, Sweden were gifted another opportunity when Mexican keeper Guillermo Ochoa handled the ball outside his box, but they again failed to take advantage.

Despite Mexico's poorly organised defence, they still had some chances in the first 20 minutes, with Carlos Vela coming closest with a half volley just outside the box.

However, Mexico's first half was still one that they would probably rather forget. Poor defending, and a lack of communication up front, led to the majority of their chances being speculative, and all off target.

Nonetheless, Sweden couldn't capitalise, despite enjoying the majority of possession, and both sides went into the break goalless.

As the second half got underway, it seemed clear that Sweden were pushing hard for a goal, and it didn´t take long for one to come.

Ludwig Augustinsson made no mistake in converting Viktor Claesson's cross, giving Sweden a 1-0 lead, and Augustinsson his first international goal. 

The game still seemed open, with the Mexicans finally raising their level of performance. There were chances at both ends but the Central American side would capitulate when Hector Moreno's sliding tackle in the box gave Sweden a penalty.

Unsuprisingly, it was taken, and converted, by Swedish captain Andreas Granqvist, who rocketed the ball into the top corner.

However, the goal that would put the nail in the coffin for Mexico came in the 74th minute when Edson Alvarez's attempted clearance ended in him turning the ball into his own net.

The final stages were arguably the best that Mexico had played, but they couldn't prevent themselves falling to a 3-0 defeat.

In the end, the result didn't matter though as Germany's 2-0 loss to South Korea meant that both teams will progress to the last 16 where they will face one of Brazil, Serbia or Switzerland.