The 23-year-old made his World Cup debut when he came on early in the second half against the Netherlands. He was one of the few bright spots in Sweden's 1-5 defeat.
We lost, but for my part, I came in with the right energy and tried to help the team as much as possible. I hope I strengthened my position. It feels like I had a good match against Holland, Zeneli says.
Potter doesn't release the team until match day, but the players got a hint about what team the head coach will choose for the fateful match in Dallas.
"I don't know much," Zeneli says, laughing.
Shifts in midfield?
But maybe you saw something in training?
Yes.
Are you players usually able to figure out the starting eleven in training before a match?
No, it's usually a little different. Sometimes it's more tactical, sometimes less so.
Zeneli and Lucas Bergvall came on at the same time, replacing Jesper Karlström and Benjamin Nygren on Saturday. There's a lot of speculation that Potter may make changes in midfield. So far, he has started the World Cup matches with the same starting XI in both matches.
One or more of the trio Zeneli, Bergvall and Anthony Elanga are seen as the players Potter may be betting on.
"We've talked a lot about how important it is to have starters. We have to have the right balance, but we also have to have players who can come in and help us," says the team captain.
Matches you live for
When asked why he is the right fit against Japan, Zeneli replies:
"I'm showing my qualities in the team and I think that might be needed against Japan. I'm incredibly pumped. These are the kind of matches you almost live for. It's something we've been longing for and now we have the chance to move on."
How much do you in the squad talk about feeling joy at the opportunity to move forward rather than feeling fear of failure?
"Of course, we all started playing football somewhere for the fun of it. I think everyone should have that attitude, although many thoughts may come to mind."
"I hope and believe that everyone chooses happiness."
The match against Japan kicks off at 1:00 AM tonight.
