World Cup Group G guide: Expect Sweden to take control
Sweden
Goalkeepers: Jennifer Falk (Hacken), Zecira Musovic (Chelsea), Tove Enblom (Orebro)
Defenders: Linda Sembrant (Juventus), Magdalena Eriksson (Chelsea), Jonna Anderson (Hammarby), Amanda Ilestedt (PSG), Nathalie Björn (Everton), Hanna Lundkvist (Atletico Madrid), Anna Sandberg (Hacken)
Midfielders: Caroline Seger (Rosengard), Kosovare Asllani (AC Milan), Olivia Schough (Rosengard), Elin Rubensson (Hacken), Filippa Angeldahl (Man City), Hanna Bennison (Everton), Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea).
Forwards: Sofia Jakobsson (San Diego Wave), Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal), Fridolina Rolfo (Barcelona), Lina Hurtig (Arsenal), Madelen Janogy (Hammarby IF), Rebecka Blomqvist (VfL Wolfsburg)
Coach: Peter Gerhardsson.
Having taken over from legend Pia Sundhage back in 2017, Gerhardsson has worked hard to build a team that could challenge for a big title. The Swedes have made the semis in their last three tournaments, a World Cup, Olympics and Euros. So, they have vast experience.
World ranking: 3
Star player: Caroline Seger. The Sweden and FC Rosengard captain is an icon in her home country after an incredible 232 caps and 32 goals. At 38, this is the midfielder’s fifth World Cup – and probably her last.
One to watch: Stina Blackstenius. The Arsenal striker scored the winner against Germany that sent Sweden to the semi-finals four years ago.
Reasons to be cheerful: Seven wins out of eight in qualifying showed Sweden’s quality, with strikers Fridolino Rolfo and Anna Anvergard flourishing. Though Irish showed they can be frustrated.
Cause for concern: No side has lost more semi-finals than Sweden. So, how do they beat the curse?
Verdict: The Swedes are desperate to do well in what may be captain Seger’s
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