Almost exactly one day has passed since the Swedish men's national team's biggest World Cup loss in 76 years. Yesterday's 1-5 humiliation at Houston Stadium will of course be analyzed further, but then it's time to put the match behind them and look ahead.
Towards the final group stage match against Japan - in Dallas at 1 am on Friday, local time in Sweden.
“Very disappointed”
There is no time for depression, and no room for self-pity, says midfielder Jesper Karlström.
"It's clear that we are very disappointed, frustrated and angry after losing 1-5. You are ashamed of such a result," says the Udinese player.
We have one match left in the group and everything is in our own hands. We have to take this in the right way. We have to be positive and look forward to the next match.
He is supported by Taha Ali, the Malmö FF talent who was brought on in the 79th minute against the Netherlands. For him, it was a special evening.
On the one hand: a heavy loss for the team. On the other: the first World Cup minutes of his life.
"My feelings were mixed. The first was trying to make an impression in the minutes I got, and the second was that I got to make my World Cup debut. So it was a bit strange," says Taha Ali.
Midsummer celebration
In the stands were three cousins from Canada, who had traveled down to Houston to watch their relative play. It's certainly something "extra special" to make a World Cup debut, says the 27-year-old winger from Tensta. But at the same time it was a bit strange when the team was on a big run.
It's a difficult balance, of course. The team comes first, so it's hard to feel proud afterwards of having made your World Cup debut. But you can't deny that you do, and it sank in a little more this morning.
In their attempts to lick their wounds, the Swedish team at least has the best possible company. Sunday marked family day for the players, with a belated Midsummer celebration on the agenda.
It won't help anyone to be sad and depressed. Yesterday you weren't very happy and it was hard to fall asleep. But from today on it's important to look forward, and when family and children are present it gives you energy, says Jesper Karlström.
