No stars, but Sweden march on
– Shorn of a superstar since Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s retirement, Sweden were not expected even to make it to the World Cup but now they are within reach of their first quarterfinal for 24 years.
After eliminating the Netherlands and Italy in qualifying, Sweden played their part in sending defending champions Germany home early by topping Group F with victories over South Korea and Mexico.
No-frills coach Janne Andersson is not a big name, having spent his entire playing and coaching career in his homeland.
But the 55-year-old is credited with creating the collective spirit that has helped Sweden thrive.
Arguably Andersson’s biggest decision came when he decided not to welcome back Ibrahimovic when the striker opened the door to a possible return after Sweden saw off Italy in a two-legged playoff in November.
Ibrahimovic claimed “a World Cup without me wouldn’t be a World Cup” when Sweden failed to qualify four years ago.
Sweden’s all-time top scorer angered his former fans with typically self-obsessed comments in the lead-up to the tournament.
However, it is not just the media but those inside the Swedish squad who recognise the value in playing as a unit rather than hoping for moments of magic from one individual.
That strong team spirit has also been shown off the field. The entire squad stood alongside midfielder Jimmy Durmaz as he denounced the messages of racial hatred and death threats he received after conceding a late freekick from which Germany’s Toni Kroos scored to seal a 2-1 win.
Sweden have now gone as far as they ever did with Ibrahimovic at a World Cup and could go much further in a wide open half of the draw.
Beat Switzerland today and they will face England or Colombia, with Croatia or Russia waiting as potential semifinal opponents. – AFP