How do you stop Kylian Mbappé? Carl Starfelt knows - he's been there and done it recently. Above all, it’s about a good collective defensive performance so that he doesn’t get many chances. You have to keep a close eye on him, says the centre-back.
SportsIsak Hien's thigh injury reduces national team captain Graham Potter's center-back choices. But neither he nor anyone else should be worried. Not according to Carl Starfelt. He is ready for 90 minutes in the round of 16 against France. "I feel in good shape and have been for a long time," he says.
FootballThere are many indications that Isak Hien's World Cup is over. Carl Starfelt feels for his teammate - even though his absence would leave a place in the starting eleven vacant. "You don't want that to happen to anyone," says the Celta Vigo defender.
FootballSweden is ready for the round of 32. They will probably face Norway or France in New Jersey on Tuesday. "Of course, it would be fun to have a Nordic derby here at the World Cup," says Carl Starfelt.
SportsA well-rounded, calculated national team has struggled its way to the World Cup. What kind of magic trick has Graham Potter actually pulled off? "I've tried to figure it out myself," says defender Gabriel Gudmundsson about Sweden's transformation under the Englishman.
SportsDespite the scorching heat, large parts of the World Cup squad are heading out for a round of golf. After four days at the base in Dallas, the national team players will have a day off from training. "I think golf will be the most popular activity," says Hjalmar Ekdal.
SportsCarl Starfelt was at home in Vigo with a backache that wouldn't go away. The World Cup was getting closer every day. "It's clear people were wondering whether it would work," the centre-back said.
SportsCarl Starfelt has not played a football match since March 31. The center-back is still hopeful of getting playing time in Sweden's warm-up matches before the World Cup. "Hopefully I can get a few minutes before Tunisia, the World Cup opener," he says.
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