WWC 2015 Round of 16: Sweden

Sweden entered the competition tipped as one of the main contenders but to this point the Scandinavians have by no-means been at their best and are currently the definition of “taking it one game at a time”.

Are Sweden good enough to win the World Cup? Luke Robbs says no,

Group performance

The Swedes opened their tournament with a 3-3 draw against Nigeria in a match they were thankful to get a result from. Two of their goals were from set-pieces and a result of some awful defending by the Super Falcons. The Swedes struggled to get a foothold in open-play and offered very little moving forward.

They looked better in their second match against the United States and showed why they’re ranked fifth in the world matching the Americans all over the park but failure to find the back of the net saw them leave with a solitary point in the 0-0 draw.

They went into their final match knowing that nothing other than a win would be enough to see them automatically progress. Some brave defending by the Australians saw the match end in a 1-1 draw despite the Scandinavians throwing everything they had at the Matildas in the closing stages.

Again it was the lack of decent chances that hurt the Swedes and surprised many onlookers. However their three draws were enough to seem them scrape through as a third place qualifier albeit drawing the number one ranked nation in the world, Germany.

SWEDEN TAKE ON GERMANY IN THE ROUND OF 16. READ OUR GERMANY PREVIEW HERE.

They’ll beat Germany because…

Because on their day they are capable of being the best team in the world. They have some of the most experienced and professional campaigners in the competition in Nilla Fischer and Caroline Seger and they can provide the drive required to give Germany trouble. If striking duo Sofia Jackobsson and Lotta Schelin are able to get into the game they’ve proven in the past they are capable of being the difference netting a combined total of 90 goals in just over 200 matches.

They’ll be knocked-out by Germany because…

Because they can’t score. Yes, their striking partnership just got a wrap but the problem is all over the park. So far the strikers have often been isolated with lack of support from the midfield hampering their ability to penetrate opponents’ defence. While they’re well structure and disciplined, that is only half the battle. They’re in trouble.

Can they win the World Cup?

No. They scored the lowest goals of any European nation during the qualifying process despite not losing a single match, relying on their structure and defensive strength. Despite that they were rightly considered among the main favourites to take out the crown in pre-tournament predictions but their attack at times has been virtually non-existent and you can’t win without scoring.

Best moment of the tournament so far

Simply getting to this stage. Making it through as a third place qualifier is an indication that a team is already on the ropes. The Swedes shouldn’t be, but they are. Anything from now on is a bonus. They can also take pride from their performance against the US, it’s the best they’ve looked all competition.

Key Player

Caroline Seger will be vital in this match and a strong performance from the 30-year-old can lay the groundwork for an upset. The midfielder has performed on the biggest stages including twice attend both the World Cup and Olympic Games tournaments before heading to Canada. The three-time Swedish midfielder of the year will need take command of a hotly contested centre third if they are to move on.

Injuries/suspensions

Sweden have all their players available for selection against Germany and based on results Head Coach Pia Sundhage may well shake up the team.