Sweden will be without several key players for the matches against Lithuania in the World Cup playoffs. Fridolina Rolfö is expecting a baby, while Kosovare Asllani is out with a long-term injury. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd is also missing. The Lyon player tore her cruciate ligament this summer, leaving a big gap in Sweden’s attack.
Her friend Julia Zigiotti Olme may feel her absence especially keenly.
“It’s incredibly tough. She’s one of my closest friends. I feel for her so much, and I miss her every day we’re here,” she says.
“Very important”
The national team gathered at Bosön to prepare for the two-legged tie against Lithuania. Rytting Kaneryd’s absence was clearly noticeable, according to Zigiotti Olme.
She is a very important player for this national team. She is a leader both on and off the field. She brings everyone together, and it’s clear that she is missed.
“We have not performed”
Sweden had a poor qualifying campaign, losing twice to Denmark and dropping points against both Italy and Serbia. Now they are up against it, with the risk of becoming the first Swedish women’s national team ever to miss a World Cup.
We haven’t performed at the level we should have, and we know that. But I still think there’s a good feeling in the group and that the confidence is there. There are small things we need to fix and improve.
What: Lithuania–Sweden, the first match of the two-legged tie in the first round of the World Cup playoffs.
Where: Darius and Girėnas Stadium in Kaunas.
When: Kick-off at 18:05 on Friday.
TV/Radio: SVT/Radiosporten
This is how Sweden can qualify for the World Cup:
The winner of the two-legged tie against Lithuania will face the Czech Republic or Scotland in a decisive playoff in November or December for a place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
