It has been a long way back for Sweden, two qualifying campaigns that were heartbreaking right to the end was followed by Euro 2016 Qualifying that was almost a disaster. Sweden had low expectations going into 2018 Qualifying.
They were placed into a difficult qualifying group that featured France and the Netherlands as the co favourites. Sweden waited for their opportunity, they were able to tie the Dutch on match day 1 and gained momentum from there.
Yes, they got their fair share of breaks on the way, but they also did a good job to set themselves up for those breaks. They lack that one player that an average soccer fan knows but that they make up for that bin being super organized.
This is a team that won't run up the score on teams like Moldova, but at the same time, won't be beat 5-0 to teams that are better then they are on paper.
Trust me, there were days that seemed like it would be forever before Sweden got to the World Cup.
I cheer for Sweden because they are a small country but still very competitive. The Vancouver Canucks also often have a handful of Swed's on their roster.
With the new draw procedures in place for the 2018 draw. Sweden was placed in Pot 3 and considering that have been placed in a pretty good group with Germany, Mexico and South Korea.
If they don't win the first game of the group, they might not get out of the group. Mexico is stronger than most people give them credit for holding Brazil to a 0-0 tie and beating Croatia in 2014 as well as Germany who is always good.
I honestly see Sweden tying the games against South Korea and Mexico and losing to Germany. Sweden will likely not get the fortunate bounces they did in Qualifying that brought them here. There is a way the qualify for the Round of 16 with three ties but that would be rare.
Here is Sweden's roster:
The first game will go a long way but there is no one on this roster that I feel comfortable getting a goal if this team needs one. They are going to need to be so defensively strong.
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