WORLD CUP USA ’94 / ROUND OF 16 : Sweden Plays It Cool, Ousts Saudi Arabia

Sweden was in no hurry to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup, its next stop on this monthlong tour across America.

In a 3-1 second-round victory over Saudi Arabia, the Swedes introduced their version of Little Ball. Instead of going for knockout punches, Sweden kept tapping away at the Saudis on a warm Sunday afternoon at the Cotton Bowl before 60,277.

It might not have made for the most electrifying match of World Cup ‘94, but the strategy overwhelmed the last Asian group qualifier and sent Sweden into the quarterfinals against Romania on Sunday at Palo Alto.

After watching Germany wilt last week in the second half of a 3-2 victory over South Korea in Dallas, Coach Tommy Svensson of Sweden knew what to do.

“We played small, small, small,” he said.

The little things made all the difference. Martin Dahlin scored in the sixth minute and Kennet Andersson scored twice in the second half, leading Sweden to the final eight for the first time since 1958.

Sweden had no intention of running around the field chasing Saudis, so it conserved energy.

“We took it easy, played economically,” Svensson said.

But not so easy that Saudi Arabia, the tournament’s surprise team, could launch its respected attack uncontested. Instead, the Saudis were left frustrated and fatigued, and get this: complaining about the heat a little.

Still, they are going home satisfied, knowing they are the first Persian Gulf team to reach the second round.

“We’re going to be heroes at home,” said Muhammad Abdul Jawwad, who was replaced in the 55th minute after Sweden’s first two goals were scored on his side.

At some point, someone must give Sweden its due. It is a clever team that strikes quickly and efficiently. And while it is known for its defense, Dahlin and Andersson are strong attackers.

“We’re in the world final. Anything can happen,” reserve forward Hakan Mild said.

Dahlin’s fourth goal of the tournament came suddenly, catching the Saudis by surprise. Just as the match was settling into a defensive struggle, Andersson and Dahlin penetrated the Saudi line.

Andersson hooked a beautiful crossing pass from the left side toward the goal, where Dahlin was waiting. Dahlin, who missed a match against Brazil because of a one-game suspension for two yellow cards, turned and leaned into the ball, heading it past goalkeeper Muhammad Al Daeyea.

Sweden seemed satisfied to take a 1-0 lead into the halftime break, because after Dahlin’s goal the action diminished.

Even when Saudi Arabia had an opportunity, something happened to thwart the effort.

In the 42nd minute, Fahad Al Huraifi Al Bishi got the ball in front of the goal uncontested, but slipped. When he recovered, goalkeeper Thomas Ravelli was waiting and stopped the shot.

In the second half, Sweden took control on Andersson’s first goal, perhaps the game’s best play. He leaped over Abdul Jawwad, the team captain and had the ball in the top-right corner of the penalty area. Andersson then dribbled to his left, stopped and shot. The ball skimmed past the outstretched foot of Ahmed Jameel Madani and the diving arms of Al Daeyea.

The Swedes were content to take a 2-0 lead into the quarterfinals, but finally, the Saudi attack came to life. If not for some outstanding saves by Ravelli, Saudi Arabia might have pressed Sweden earlier.

But it broke through with a goal in the 85th minute. Fahd Al Ghashiyan raced past Swedish defenders on the right wing and scored from 10 yards, the kind of play that helped Saudi Arabia reach the second round.

With the goal, the intensity level increased and it appeared the Saudis might score the equalizer with an improved attack.

Instead, Andersson and Dahlin combined in the 88th minute to score again. Dahlin brought the ball down from the left and passed across the penalty area to Andersson, whose shot hit the corner of the net, much to the dismay of the Saudis.

“It’s difficult to catch Kennet,” Mild said. “He uses his body very well.”

And if he continues performing this way, Sweden might be tough to catch, too.