Wrecking Ball Sweden: Unveiling the Hidden Powerhouses of the Women's World Cup
Sweden's impressive track record in deep tournament runs and consistent performances make them a formidable force in the Women's World Cup With their fluid system, experienced players, and the influential 'Fridolina Rolfo' factor, Sweden could emerge as one of the tournament's biggest disruptors Let's explore their playing style and potential lineup
Sweden has gained a reputation for consistently coming close to victory in the past decade. Over the course of their previous eight international tournaments, they secured the runners-up position at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, achieved third place at the 2019 Women's World Cup, and most recently experienced defeat in the final to Canada through a penalty shootout in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics campaign.
Sweden's consistent appearances in finals suggest a silver lining. Their style of play showcases their persistence and could potentially make them one of the tournament's most influential contenders.
A fluid system, full of fluid players
Sweden effortlessly transition between a 3-4-3 and a 4-3-3 formation, showcasing their prowess in a swift and opportunistic style of play.In the blink of an eye, their transformation from defensive to offensive tactics is executed, typically spearheaded by a prominent No 10 player - either Kosovare Asllani or Fridolina Rolfo - leading the charge.
Stretching opposition defences with complex, interchangeable styles is a norm; players are not afraid to slip in and out of shape.
Nathalie Bjorn is a prime example of that.
The Everton defender primarily features as a right-back for her club, but frequently steps in as a defensive replacement for Caroline Seger. Additionally, she possesses the versatility to perform as a centre-back within a back three formation, making her a strong candidate to fill multiple positions within the squad.
Experience in abundance
That's one of the aspects that contributes to the danger of Sweden as a collective team: the unpredictability of where players may eventually be positioned, yet their adaptability remains unquestionable.From the front line to the defense, the accumulation of goals, assists, and appearances reaches hundreds.
Jennifer Falk leads the Sweden squad as their most seasoned goalkeeper, boasting 16 international appearances. Assisting her is Zecira Musovic, who has honed her skills under the tutelage of Emma Hayes for an entire season.
In the defensive line, Magdalena Eriksson proudly captains the team. She has secured the Women's Super League title five times and is rapidly approaching 100 international caps, solidifying her vital role in her nation's triumphs.
In midfield, Asllani and Rolfo have the oldest player on the national team as their anchor in Seger, who has amassed over 230 appearances and is likely playing in her final World Cup.
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The 38-year-old faces a challenge as she has been plagued by injuries throughout the year, and she is currently racing against time to regain full fitness.
Since her clash with Switzerland at last summer's Euro, Seger has only managed to play for a total of 100 minutes. She had to undergo surgery for her heel at the beginning of the year, and her comeback in April was interrupted by a re-injury to her calf.
Intermittent training sessions fail to instill confidence for the upcoming tournament. In her absence, Bjorn could potentially be placed in midfield. However, the presence of Lina Hurtig, Stina Blackstenius, and Sofia Jakobsson in the forward line, who possess ample experience in top European leagues, serves to compensate for this setback.
Include a group of captivating teenagers, and you have a team that excels in every aspect.
But will this be sufficient to propel them beyond their previous achievements? According to Mia Eriksson, a football writer specializing in Swedish women's football, their success hinges entirely on their luck and form.
"I believe the upcoming World Cup will be highly competitive as various teams have witnessed significant improvement in their quality simultaneously," she expressed.
If Sweden can successfully synchronize all elements and steer clear of injuries and COVID-related concerns - something they were unable to achieve during the previous summer's Euros - they will undoubtedly emerge as the champions, lifting the trophy on August 20.
The 'Fridolina Rolfo' factor
Ever since Rolfo relocated to Barcelona in 2021, her prowess has only grown stronger.Stepping onto the world stage, she carries the momentum of Barcelona's triumph in securing a continental treble. Noteworthy is her significant contribution, as she netted the decisive goal that sealed their stunning comeback against Wolfsburg in the Champions League final.
Playing in a left-back position for her club, she remains a vital element in the attack, which has rarely altered under the management of Peter Gerhardsson. Although she operates slightly further up the field, her defensive skills are valuable since Sweden has occasionally required more defensive support from their forwards.
As one of the initial defenders without the ball, Rolfo excels at disrupting opposition counters and redistributing the ball to her teammates. Whether she is attacking from the left or occupying central zones on the field, she will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge to opposing defenses. Moreover, she will serve as a crucial backup option in case Seger is unable to regain fitness.
How will Sweden line up?
Falk is the preferred goalkeeper, with a solid defensive line composed of Jonna Andersson, Magdalena Eriksson, Amanda Ilestedt, and Bjorn supporting her.Elin Rubensson, Filippa Angeldahl, and Asllani may operate in the midfield, while Rolfo, Blackstenius, and Jakobsson spearhead the attacking line.
Tune in to 'The Offside Rule,' the acclaimed football podcast, to get unparalleled insights and analysis on the fixtures of the Women's World Cup. With appearances from former Lionesses and renowned international stars, this award-winning show promises to deliver expert commentary you won't want to miss.
