Kosovare Asllani does not see a Swedish center-back crisis ahead of tonight's World Cup qualifier against Italy. She sees the future. "It's fantastic that we still produce defenders like these. It's absolutely crazy," she says.
FootballLast summer, Italy was on the verge of reaching the European Championship final. For Sweden's women's football team, Italy — nicknamed "Le Azzurre" and hailing from the tip of the Italian boot — is the first obstacle in the hunt for a World Cup ticket.
FootballA star striker who has gone home. A defensive crisis. A national captain who has been relegated to the stands. Conditions could be better when Sweden begins the World Cup qualifiers in Reggio Calabria. It gets even more nerve-wracking when you can't be close and have an impact, says national team coach Tony Gustavsson.
FootballTony Gustavsson benches several of the stars in tonight's return against Spain in the Nations League. Neither Stina Blackstenius nor Fridolina Rolfö are included from the start – instead, Häcken duo Felicia Schröder and Monica Jusu Bah get the chance in the attack.
FootballSweden suffered a heavy defeat in Málaga. Centre-back Nathalie Björn's spontaneous feeling after the loss in the Nations League semi-final against Spain. It's strange to say after we have lost 0-4, but I think we make a passing performance.
SportsTony Gustavsson's first international match as national team manager became a nightmare. Spain won 4–0 in Málaga. Now a smaller miracle is required at Gamla Ullevi on Tuesday if the Swedish women's football team is to reach the Nations League final. Our first ten minutes are damn good, says Gustavsson in SVT's broadcast.
FootballTony Gustavsson kept his word. The new national team captain's first starting eleven will be the one he has shown up in the training sessions this week. This is how Sweden will start in the Nations League semifinal against Spain.
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