Sweden was unbeaten during the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers. They drew at home versus Ireland while winning seven games overall. Their 15-0 win over Georgia was their biggest triumph. Kosovare Asllani claimed to have compassion for the rival squad. Since Peter Gerhardsson took charge in 2017, the team has alternated between playing in a 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 configuration throughout qualification.
Lina Hurtig, who has recently struggled with injuries but often steps up when it counts, was one of the crucial performers. With five of Sweden’s 32 goals in qualification, Hurtig led the nation in scoring. Although veteran goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl is no longer active, Jennifer Falk will now serve as the team’s starting goalkeeper behind a strong defense that includes world-class players Magdalena Eriksson, Linda Sembrant, Amanda Ilestedt, Nathalie Björn, and Jonna Andersson. However, Glas will miss out due to a knee injury.
The Manager
After taking over after the 2017 Euros, Peter Gerhardsson has led his squad to top-three finishes in two of the last three competitions (third at the 2019 World Cup and silver at the Tokyo Olympics). Prior to entering the coaching profession, he played in the top division for Hammarby and other teams between 1978 and 1987. Before taking over the women’s national team, he was in charge of Häcken’s men’s squad. When he was appointed, several players had to Google his name since there was a certain sense of “Peter who?” The 63-year-old has recently renewed his contract with the Swedish FA, so there is no dispute about his popularity inside the organization. adores music and owns over 1,500 CDs.
Star player
Fridolina Rolfö showed her abilities when playing for Wolfsburg. Not Until joining Barcelona, where head coach Jonathan Giráldez made her into a left-back, she had never completed a full season without suffering an injury. Rolfö, a player who would be an asset to any national team, has the potential to make a difference for Sweden.
“I recall that when I initially started playing her as a left-back, people thought I was insane,” Rolfo said. “She is a left winger to me, not a left back.”
Rising star
In a team made up exclusively of players from the Swedish Damallsvenskan, Anna Sandberg got her first call-up to the national team in January. The left-back made an impression on the head coach and was given a “real” call-up the following month. She made her international debut in a 4-1 victory against China.
“They were outstanding, especially Hanna Lundkvist, who was also making her debut,” Rolfo added. “They should be happy since they demonstrated what it takes to succeed in this field. I’m really impressed.”
Fun Fact
At school, Andreas Granqvist, a defender for Wigan and Genoa, had a class with Caroline Seger. Both of them have led Sweden’s national teams.
State of Football
Sweden used to be a destination for the top players, and its clubs used to contend for Champions League crowns. The current reality is very different, and the domestic league has deteriorated with dwindling attendance. All of the games are live-streamed, although compared to the men’s league, there is hardly any media attention. But there is a lot of interest in the women’s national team. When Sweden played Brazil before the Euros last year, they drew a record attendance of 33,218.
Our Prediction
Sweden is the world’s third-best squad and ought to be competing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The spring has been difficult for some of Sweden’s important players, including Seger, Rolfö, Ilestedt, Hurtig, and Asllani, due to injury. The USA or the Netherlands are probably waiting in the round of 16, and the draw appears to be difficult.
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