The 0-3 defeat against Azerbaijan almost a year ago was a turning point.
Janne Andersson was given a dignified farewell a few days later, with the players speaking kind words, but they wanted someone new, something new.
The scouting was led by two newcomers, general secretary Andrea Möllerberg and football chief Kim Källström. They took their time and even got a no from Olof Mellberg before a former Danish attacking star didn't hesitate to lead a national team that had gone astray.
"Wants to entertain"
The new national team captain quickly sold in his ideas in English. Key words: Offense, entertainment, success.
I want us to dominate, with and without the ball. I want to entertain. Will it happen tomorrow? No. It takes time. This journey is about passion, but it's also about patience.
Then Portugal gave a lesson in Guimarães. 5-2. The slightly confused players realized that the thing about time and patience really applied, but during a few camp days in Porto, "JDT" had succeeded on the most important point - he had gotten the players with him.
As Dejan Kulusevski put it after the 1-0 win against Albania.
I like his energy, I like him as a coach. I see the playing idea. All good things have a beginning, and it will take time, but it's a good start.
Doubts remained about the losses against Denmark and Serbia, but Tomasson tickled both players and supporters.
We're under reconstruction, and a construction site isn't always beautiful, he said.
Taking shape
During the autumn, the building has taken shape. It's far from finished, not yet in line with Tomasson's blueprints.
His philosophy regarding player selection is simple. Are you good enough, age or experience doesn't matter. The future has been given space, like Yasin Ayari, Sebastian Nanasi, Lucas Bergvall, and Hugo Bolin.
Under me, you'll always get a chance, but it's also about taking it.
Tomasson's straight style has also led to discontent (Hugo Larsson and Anthony Elanga).
A group win in the Nations League is worth celebrating. A sub-goal has thus been achieved, but the broader review of Tomasson as national team captain will have to wait until after the World Championship qualifiers.
He's got a year to go, and in 2025, the national team must deliver.
2-5 against Portugal in Guimarães (March 21). Goals: Viktor Gyökeres, Gustaf Nilsson.
1-0 against Albania in Solna (March 25). Goal: Gustaf Nilsson.
1-2 against Denmark in Copenhagen (June 5). Goal: Alexander Isak.
0-3 against Serbia in Solna (June 8).
Nations League:
3-1 against Azerbaijan in Baku (September 5). Goals: Alexander Isak 2, Viktor Gyökeres.
3-0 against Estonia in Solna (September 8). Goals: Viktor Gyökeres 2, Alexander Isak.
2-2 against Slovakia in Bratislava (October 11). Goals: Yasin Ayari, Ken Sema.
3-0 against Estonia in Tallinn (October 14). Goals: Sebastian Nanasi 2, Viktor Gyökeres.
Remaining matches:
Saturday: Slovakia in Solna (20.45).
Tuesday: Azerbaijan in Solna (20.45).
