The indisputable victory against Italy was expected, but now things really start to get serious for Tre Kronor.
On Saturday, Norway awaits in the penultimate group stage match, a Nordic battle that could determine which of the countries ultimately advances to the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Switzerland.
"We've seen how they've played here; they took Canada to overtime, so it's probably going to be a tough task. Tomorrow we can probably expect a little more "drive" and not a team that just backs away. Now we get to enjoy this for another fifteen minutes, then we get to take a shower and recharge," says Edmonton defender Mattias Ekholm to Viaplay.
Regardless of how this tournament goes, there are things that point to a bright blue-yellow future. Like 18-year-olds Ivar Stenberg and Viggo Björck.
Ketchup effect
Against Italy, Stenberg scored his first two goals in the Tre Kronor shirt, both times assisted by Björck.
"It was nice, because I've had a few opportunities. So it was about time," Ivar Stenberg tells Viaplay.
The first senior international goal of his career should not be underestimated, something national team captain Sam Hallam noted after the first period when Stenberg had just given Sweden a 2-0 lead in the power play just before halftime.
"It's certainly a little weight off my shoulders," Hallam told Viaplay.
It seems that way. Just eight minutes into the second period, the next goal came, when Stenberg finished off a Swedish pattern attack by scoring 3–0 - again assisted by Viggo Björck.
Impressed linemate
Detroit star Lucas Raymond, on the same line as the 18-year-olds, is impressed by his young teammates:
"It's fun to see them. They found each other twice, so it's fun," says Lucas Raymond.
Sweden, with nine points after five rounds, currently holds the fourth and final quarter-final spot. However, fifth-placed Norway has only played four matches and is only two points behind.
Facts: Sweden's World Cup matches
15/5: Canada 3–5.
17/5: Denmark 6–2.
18/5: Czech Republic 3–4.
20/5: Slovenia 6–0.
22/5: Italy 3–0.
23/5: Norway (20.20).
26/5: Slovakia (16.20).
The quarterfinals will be played on the 28th, the semifinals on the 30th and the medal matches on the 31st of May.
