By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA 

Sweden defeated South Korea 1-0 in the World Cup Group F match Monday afternoon thanks to a penalty that was decided by the video assistant referee (VAR).

Sweden captain Andreas Granqvist scored the penalty kick in the 65th minute to give his team its first World Cup opening match win since 1958, when they advanced to the final.

The match at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium saw Sweden missing a clear chance in the 20th minute as they controlled the pace throughout the first half.

After the conceding the penalty, South Korea were dynamic but failed to equalize.

South Korea suffered their first defeat in its fifth World Cup opening match.

Sweden and Mexico top Group F after the first matches, Mexico pulled off an upset 1-0 win against reigning champions Germany on Sunday afternoon.