Instead, Ukraine got the nod when the national football team regained much of the identity that was lost during the failed World Cup qualifiers. With the 3-1 victory in Valencia, Poland awaits in the playoff final in Solna on Tuesday.
Victor Nilsson Lindelöf decided at the last moment not to wear the mask to protect the nose he had injured a while ago.
I brought it with me, but before we went out I threw it away, says the Swedish centre-back.
Didn't know anything
The national team's medical team was not informed.
It was my decision. I decide whether I want to play with it or not. If I had been hit, it would have come off again and then I would have had to have surgery on it. But it's worth it.
The feeling after the victory?
Great. We're going in with a clear game plan. The most important thing is to win so we can come home and play the next game. We're doing that, so I'm very, very happy and proud of the guys and the way we're executing this game.
The difference from last autumn is noticeable. To a large extent, it is due to national team coach Graham Potter, says Nilsson Lindelöf.
He has come in with a clear plan and a way for us to play. If we get simple and clear instructions, it will also be easy for us to go out on the field and do it. He is calm and confident and clear in what he wants.
Grateful for Gyökeres
He is grateful to have three-goal scorer Viktor Gyökeres on the team.
It's nice to have a player like that. We know that if we defend well and keep it tight, he'll get space and if he gets his space and his chances, he'll eventually score a goal. Now it's three, which is really nice for us.
Is it important to score early?
It's always nice. It gives a certain sense of security. A very good start, and I think all the guys feel that too.
Now Poland awaits.
Fun, really fun. These are the kinds of games you always dream of playing. A packed Strawberry with Swedish fans singing. It will be great and I think everyone will be very ready.
We know it's only halfway. We are very happy with this victory. It's nothing to take away from us. It gives a very good feeling. We know we have work to do and we have a World Cup ticket that we want to secure, says Nilsson Lindelöf.
