The road was expected to be bumpy post Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s retirement, but coach Janne Andersson has successfully built a team that can punch above its weight in Russia.
The outstanding characteristic that Andersson has brought from his successful years at the helm of IFK Norrkoping to the national team is organisation.
The team will line-up in a 4-4-2, with two tall strikers Ola Toivonen, Marcus Berg as target men. The defenders will stick to a high line and play long balls behind the opposition defence.
But the team lacks a star in the calibre of Ibrahimovic, and most of the players ply their trade in lower leagues.
Sweden, which is returning to the World Cup finals after 12 years, shocked Italy 1-0 in the UEFA play-offs across two legs thanks to Jakob Johansson’s goal.
It has been placed in one of the toughest groups and everything depends on its first match against South Korea.
The goal-poacher: Marcus Berg
Strong, direct and lethal in one-on-ones, he should be key to Sweden’s attacking threat. Berg, who seems to have filled Ibrahimovic’s boots, scored eight goals in qualification, at least double the tally of any other Swedish player. Berg likes to run in behind and occupy defences and is very good in the air. He won the Golden Boot this season in the Arabian Gulf League by scoring 24 goals in 21 matches for Al Ain FC.
The Orchestrator: Emil Forsberg
Strong, clever in his delivery and a goal threat, Forsberg is Sweden’s great hope. He is likely to be central to anything the Swedes achieve this summer. He provides the forward thrust and energy. His clever movement and dribbling ability can open up teams that defend deep. He was Bundesliga’s top assist maker (13) in the 2016-17 season for Leipzig. There are rumours that he is going to join Arsenal after the World Cup.
Number stat:
Number of times Sweden has met Brazil at the World Cup, but failed to win any of them (D2, L5): 7
Did you know
In the Group A qualifying match against France, Sweden won 2-1 courtesy of a goal from Ola Toivonen scored from the halfway line in the 93rd minute.
Fixtures
June 18 vs South Korea
June 23 vs Germany
June 27 vs Mexico
Coach quote
We have a good group, a good team, and we work hard together. We are also tactically smart and we have to be that way no matter who we play: Janne Andersson, coach
