Showdown: Swedes v Swiss
– A sensational Group F victory that saw reigning world champions Germany sent home after the first round has Swedish soccer fans hoping for a repeat of the 1994 World Cup when they came third, displaying many of the traits of the current side.
Janne Andersson’s men lost to a stoppage-time goal against the Germans on Saturday, but a 3-0 win over Mexico and Germany’s shock 2-0 reverse against South Korea gave them a last-16 tie against Switzerland.
Following the final whistle, fans and pundits quickly scanned the possible opponents further down the line, with many immediately predicting another run to the semifinals, just as they did in 1994.
“If we manage that (to beat Switzerland), then it’s England in the quarterfinals – and for an Englishman, it is physically impossible not to underestimate Sweden,” said Aftonbladet journalist Robert Lau. “After that, we’re in the semifinal against Spain or Croatia – a new ‘94 summer.”
The 1994 side may have boasted more skilful goalscorers in the form of Tomas Brolin, Martin Dahlin and Kennet Andersson, but the gameplan was the same – defensive organisation and hard running.
Then-coach Tommy Svensson and incumbent Andersson are similar, nofrills managers steeped in the Scandinavian nation’s soccer tradition, and who prize the wellbeing of the collective over all else.
Unlike the fans and pundits, Andersson is taking nothing for granted.
“Switzerland are a strong team, no doubt about it. They won nine of 10 games in qualifying and went through their group unbeaten,” he said as his team returned to base on the Black Sea coast to prepare for the next game. “We now have a few days to do a detailed analysis and in time decide a game plan.” –