Two of Sweden's starting players at the World Cup carry yellow cards into the final group game against Japan in Dallas. Gabriel Gudmundsson was cautioned in the opener against Tunisia (5–1), and Yasin Ayari was cautioned in the loss to the Netherlands (1–5).
Lucas Bergvall, a substitute in both matches, also carries a yellow card and would be suspended for a possible round-of-16 match if he is cautioned against Japan.
"It's something we're aware of, but at the same time it's an important match. The most important thing is that we get the right team and the right balance," says Graham Potter at the press conference the day before the match that will decide Sweden's World Cup fate.
Graham Potter says he simply hasn't decided whether to change the starting lineup. But he's thinking about it.
We have to make the right decisions for the team. We have to have the right balance. Those who come in should be able to contribute.
All 26 players, including defender Eric Smith, who previously had a concussion, are available to play, according to Potter.
The match against Japan kicks off at 1 a.m. Friday, local time in Sweden.
