THE VIEW FROM SWEDEN
“Offensively I think Sweden are as good as they’ve ever been. With players like Isak and Kulusevski, and now Zlatan, which is a topic for perhaps a novel. The main thing is who will play defensively. Sweden have a good chance in two of their three group games and that’s more than enough to secure qualification.”
Anton Zetterman, Fotbolldirekt.se
“With the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden dare to dream like we haven’t done for a generation. Reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup seemed like the ceiling for Janne Andersson, but with Ibrahimovic back and young guns emerging, nothing feels impossible.”
Erik Niva, TV pundit
Andersson took over the Blagult after Sweden’s disappointing Euro 2016. His pragmatic approach to football changed the perception of the team radically and Sweden qualified for their second major tournament in a row under his guidance.
Before taking charge of the national team, Andersson spent five years with IFK Norrkoping where he became renown as a miracle maker. In 2014 his side was involved in a relegation battle, but a year later, and with no significant changes to the squad, they won their first league title in 26 years.