Victory against Denmark in 2015. Victory against Italy in 2017. Great memories that make Emil Forsberg smile.
When it comes to the national team's season – last in the qualifying group by two points – his gaze becomes more determined and then he states: Just forget it.
Now it's just a matter of looking ahead to March. That's when it's decided for Sweden, when the playoffs await after the group victory in the Nations League last fall.
I think we have every chance in the world to solve it, says the midfielder.
“A fantastic team”
The 34-year-old is convinced that there is a given path when it comes to the playoffs.
I think we have a fantastic team, talented players who are on their way to the top, players who are at the top – but the most important thing is to build a collective where everyone knows what to do, knows their roles. That's important in a playoff like this.
I think everyone feels this week has been good. We've gotten to know Graham (Potter, the manager) and he's gotten to know us.
In the playoff draw, Sweden is in the worst seeded group and gets someone from the best, which looks to be Italy, Denmark, Turkey or Ukraine.
For Emil Forsberg, it doesn't matter how the draw goes.
We're going to win, that's what it's all about, he says.
It will be important – after this year – to have something positive to aim for. I think the playoffs will be that. Everyone should invest in it, come together as a group, as a national team and create something fantastic like we have done before, like I have experienced myself.
We have a chance to go to the World Cup, and we have to take that chance.
Will you be there in March?
I don't know, for me it's a bit of a mess, the most important thing is that the Swedish national team makes it to the World Cup. That's where we belong, and we have to show it too.
