After three of six matches in the World Cup qualifiers, Sweden has four points. A home victory against Serbia at the national stadium is starting to look like a must if first place, which means a direct place in the 2027 World Cup, is not to be lost.
It was only 0–0 in Serbia last month.
"We are incredibly eager for revenge. We are so disappointed with that match. We wanted three points from there and we have to get that tomorrow," says Julia Zigiotti Olme ahead of Saturday's match at Strawberry Arena in Solna (kick-off at 4 p.m.).
For Sweden, it is a consolation that all teams in the worst group reach the World Cup playoffs.
However, the team has not impressed since Tony Gustavsson took over as national coach last fall. He replaced Peter Gerhardsson, who left after the European Championship last summer with eight successful years under his belt.
Few victories so far
In his seven international matches so far, Gustavsson has only two victories: 1–0 in the World Cup qualifier away to Italy and 2–1 in the Nations League semi-final second leg at home against France. The latter ended in disappointment, however, as the match went to extra time - and France won.
Gustavsson has stressed from the start that his perspective is long-term, that the "new" Swedish national team should be ready by the World Cup in Brazil next year. And despite the shaky results so far, he is confident that he has the squad with him - even after the stinging 1-2 loss at home to Denmark on Tuesday.
"Yes, I really feel that. I think we are on the right track. Our achievements have shown that," says Tony Gustavsson.
"I also understand that players who are used to having a certain position and playing time, and then don't have it, are never happy," he adds.
"Don't lose faith"
Perhaps he is referring to stars like Stina Blackstenius and Fridolina Rolfö, who were usually in Peter Gerhardsson's starting lineups, and who have spent a lot of time on the bench under Tony Gustavsson.
However, Blackstenius got the chance to start against Denmark last time, was named team captain, and seems to have confidence in her national team coach.
"We must not overthink it too much but must continue to believe in our way of playing and the whole idea, and not lose faith in it," says Blackstenius.
Midfield colleague Julia Zigiotti Olme is also optimistic.
"I think everyone saw against Denmark that we were the better team and should have won that match," she says.
