There is something very familiar with the circumstances before Sweden's last group stage match in the European Championship in football in Switzerland.
The quarterfinal spot is already clear and even if there is a group win at stake – Sweden needs a draw – it is not certain that it is the highest blue and yellow priority before Saturday's match at Letzigrundstadion in Zurich.
Historically, Peter Gerhardsson has surprised in such situations by resting the majority of the regular players. He rules out nothing this time either.
It may be that we will not have the same starting eleven, I have said sometime that I will never have it. But we will see. Sometimes I surprise myself in the other direction as well, says Gerhardsson.
A small detail
What speaks against a completely new eleven is that the first place in the group can provide an easier way in the playoffs.
Exactly that, Gerhardsson does not care about, especially since it is still unclear who Sweden will face next.
The only small detail you can look at is that if we win, we will play the quarterfinal on Thursday. And our opponents will play (the last group stage match) on Sunday, so they will have one day less rest. It can sometimes be an advantage.
Medal every time
What speaks in favor of playing with the starting eleven is the outcome of the previous times:
World Championship 2019: Despite the fact that the match against the USA was about the group win, Gerhardsson chose to replace seven players compared to the previous match. Sweden lost 0-2 but took the World Championship bronze.
Olympic Games 2021: Gerhardsson made eight changes before the match against New Zealand. Sweden won anyway with 2-0 and took silver in the end.
World Championship 2023: With the advancement secured, Gerhardsson took the opportunity to replace nine out of eleven players in the match against Argentina, all to prepare the team for the round of 16. Sweden won with 2-0 and took another World Championship bronze.
Being able to rest players, and at the same time give others more playing time, has been a winning concept, says striker Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.
It's clear that it's important. Above all, to have 23 players available. There we have done it well. We have an incredibly strong squad. We'll see what Peter chooses to do. But we want to win the group, so simple is it. We go in to win the match tomorrow, so we'll see how much rotation there will be, says Rytting Kaneryd.
Lasse Mannheimer/TT
Facts: This is how the European Championship continues for Sweden
TT
Sweden is already clear for the playoffs before the last round of the group stage, and wins group C with at least a draw against Germany on Saturday evening.
With a group win, Sweden will play the quarterfinal on Thursday in Zurich, otherwise two days later in Basel.
Quarterfinals (all played at 21.00):
Quarterfinal 1, Wednesday 16 July: Norway–second in group B (Geneva).
Quarterfinal 2, Thursday 17 July: Winner of group C–second in group D (Zurich).
Quarterfinal 3, Friday 18 July: Winner of group B–Switzerland (Bern).
Quarterfinal 4, Saturday 19 July: Winner of group D–second in group C (Basel).
Semi-finals and final (all at 21.00):
Tuesday 22 July: Winner of quarterfinal 2–winner of quarterfinal 1 (Geneva).
Wednesday 23 July: Winner of quarterfinal 4–winner of quarterfinal 3 (Zurich).
Sunday 27 July: European Championship final (Basel).
