Several spots in the Swedish starting eleven against Tunisia on June 15 are still up in the air. One is the right midfield position. When the squad was selected, it was more or less a given that it would go to Emil Holm, who plays in Italy. But this weekend it was announced that Holm would miss the World Cup due to injury.
Two who are currently in the running for the position are Herman Johansson and Alexander Bernhardsson. The latter, who currently plays for Holstein Kiel in the German second division, has not yet earned a starting spot.
"We have a strong group with good competition. So all I'm focusing on now is going out there and showing my qualities. Then whether he (manager Graham Potter) wants to play me from the start or give me a few minutes doesn't matter, I'll be ready and I'll do my best," says the 27-year-old.
In such a situation, it is easy to see the repeat match against Greece on Thursday night as a last chance to earn a place in the starting eleven. But in Alexander Bernhardsson's own eyes, it is not a personal make-or-break match.
"I just focus on going out there, playing my game and putting in a good performance with the team. But of course I always want to perform my best and show what I can do."
However, he agrees that the match against Greece is important. After the 1-3 defeat against Norway, Sweden is looking for a good result.
"We want to go out and show everyone that we are ready for a World Cup. That we can improve on the last match, that we have analyzed it well and have learned from it."
