The Swedish women's football team defeated Denmark 6-1 at Strawberry Arena and thus qualified for the autumn's Nations League finals.
At least as important was that the team created a significant mental advantage over the Danes ahead of July 4, when the countries will meet again in the opening match of the European Championship in Switzerland. Especially since it was also a victory away against Denmark (2-1) in February.
It's clear that it's a message of strength to the European Championship. We won away and win 6-1 now. It gives us confidence, says Bayern München midfielder Julia Zigiotti Olme.
No Easy Matches
Sweden is now entering the European Championship as a favorite to advance from the group along with Germany, which won its Nations League group as well. But counting on a victory against Denmark (and Poland, the last team in the group) is not what the Swedish players are doing.
It's clear that there are big numbers. I don't know if we've ever beaten Denmark with so many goals. But no matches will be easy in a championship. We strive to become better. We shouldn't go out and think we can beat them easily next time, says Chelsea player Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.
"This is Sweden"
Team captain Kosovare Asllani shares that view.
It's clear that it's a confidence boost to win in this way. This is how we want to play football, this is Sweden. But we know that the European Championship is something entirely different, says Asllani.
At the same time, she says that Sweden should bring with them everything that was good in the match. And there was a lot, according to the midfielder veteran.
We score many goals, we're close to each other in the pressing game, we win the physical battle and take the duels. Then it's fun to play football, says Asllani.
Now we're entering the European Championship bubble with confidence.
Facts: Sweden before and in the European Championship
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June 11 (16.00): The European Championship squad is presented.
June 23-25: European Championship training camp in Åhus.
June 26 (18.00): Norway-Sweden, European Championship warm-up, Oslo.
June 27: The national team travels to Switzerland.
June 29: The first training session at the European Championship base in Cham.
Sweden's group stage matches:
July 4 (18.00): Denmark-Sweden, Geneva.
July 8 (21.00): Poland-Sweden, Lucerne.
July 12 (21.00): Sweden-Germany, Zurich.
