The question is when was the last time Sweden was so tipped for defeat before an important international match as before Tuesday's football duel at MetLife Stadium. The World Cup round of 16 against Germany in Munich in 2006 (0-2) comes closest, but now the opposition looks even stronger on paper, while the Swedish team is difficult to assess.
Sweden slipped into the championship by the skin of their teeth, after a disastrous qualifying campaign that led to a change of national coach. But after advancing from the group stage with a win (5-1 against Tunisia), a loss (1-5 against the Netherlands) and a draw (1-1 against Japan), the mood is at its best.
This group is amazing, we have a lot of fun together. I've never been on a team that has so much fun together. And the path we took here has strengthened us a little bit. We didn't play well (in the qualifiers) and didn't win any games. So to then come here and experience these things with the same people you've fought and suffered with, it's amazing, says Swedish midfielder Yasin Ayari.
Stars everywhere
The challenge that now awaits is the toughest imaginable.
France, world champions in 2018 and finalists in Qatar four years ago, were one of the big favourites for gold even before the championship. Three clear victories against Senegal, Iraq and Norway only solidify that favourite status.
National team coach Didier Deschamps has a team without any real weaknesses, with some of the world's biggest stars.
Yasin Ayari, a central midfielder with major defensive responsibilities, will have to deal with the quartet of Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappé.
Everyone knows how good they are. They are world-class players. The whole team, even the bench. But it will be great fun to face them. The ball is round, anything can happen, says Ayari.
“Many people think we will lose”
It's the last press conference at the Swedish World Cup base in Frisco outside Dallas. This has been Sweden's home for the past few weeks, but on Sunday evening, Swedish time, the national team takes off for the American east coast.
Final destination: East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The goal: one of the World Cup's biggest upsets.
"There are many who think we will lose. That's fun, then. Then you can just go in and drive," says Ayari.
France-Sweden kicks off at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Swedish time.
